South West Ambulance Service continues to be “very busy” after declaring a critical incident on the weekend of June 1.

While pressure eased slightly on Bank Holiday Monday, the service are still encouraging people to only dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

This is so ambulance crews, control room staff and volunteers can continue to prioritise anyone who is critically ill.

A South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: “Over the weekend we experienced extreme pressures on our service.

“Whilst this pressure has eased slightly over Bank Holiday Monday, we are still very busy.”

“If you have a non-life-threatening but urgent medical problem, please call NHS 111 who can advise you on the most appropriate place for care and also call an ambulance if necessary.”

The BBC reported South West Ambulance Service received 3,200 calls on Saturday.

Over the weekend, Chief Executive of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust tweeted: “Thank you to all South West Ambulance Service colleagues for your outstanding hard work and dedication over the weekend where we saw extreme pressures on our service.

“You have all gone above and beyond to deliver excellent patient care and I’m incredibly proud to be part of such a committed team.”

In response to the increased pressure on the service, Tiverton Urgent Care Centre remained open later than usual last week.