Ambulance demand peaks 'to continue over winter'

An ambulance service has thanked its staff and volunteers after it received over 3,000 calls on some days in December.

South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) had asked the public to "make use of alternatives where appropriate" ahead of the 2025 festive period.

The NHS trust said peaks in demand were "expected to continue throughout January and the winter months".

The service said it handled "in excess of 3,000 calls" on its busiest days in recent weeks.

Secamb chief executive Simon Weldon thanked staff and volunteers "who have spent time away from their family and friends this festive period".

Winter would "continue to bring challenges", he said, but staff would be "working hard to respond to the needs of our patients".

Hospitals in south-east England also experienced a busy December, introducing mask-wearing rules amid rising flu cases and contending with industrial action by resident doctors.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.