SECAmb recorded one of the busiest New Years since the start of the pandemic nearly two years ago, putting additional pressure on the service.
The ambulance service, which covers West Sussex, handled 985 calls between 8pm on New Year’s Eve and 3am on New Year’s Day. This was a slight increase on 2019 and a more than 20% increase on the same period last year.
A spokesperson said on their website, “South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust would like to thank its staff and volunteers for their hard work and commitment throughout the festive and New Year period and is asking the public for their continued support in 2022. The last 12 months has seen SECAmb experience huge challenges including managing record 999 call demand. The service is asking the public for its continued support as it expects a challenging and busy start to the new year.”
People are urged to make use of alternatives to calling 999 if they are not facing a serious or life-threatening emergency. These include calling 111 or visiting NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk for urgent health advice or if unsure of where they should seek help.
People should also continue to take regular lateral flow device home tests, isolate immediately and arrange a PCR test if they have any COVID-19 symptoms and, if they haven’t already, arrange to have a covid booster or vaccine.
SECAmb Chief Executive Officer, Philip Astle, said: “The past 12 months have been extremely challenging for everyone at SECAmb and I would like to thank each and every member of staff for their dedication in serving the public.
“I would also like to pay tribute to our volunteers, whose support throughout the last year has been immense. My thanks also go to our colleagues across the NHS and to those in our partner organisations for their continued teamwork and assistance.
“I ask the public for their continued support and urge them to make the right choices over the winter weeks during which we expect to remain busy. I know our teams will, as ever, rise to the challenge, but people can play their part by making use of the alternatives to 999, including NHS 111 for urgent health advice or speaking to a GP or pharmacist. By making the right choices, people can reduce pressure on 999 and the wider NHS. I wish everyone a happy and safe New Year and hope for a brighter 2022.”
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