More than 2,700 emergency 999 calls were made to the region's ambulance trust yesterday on traditionally one of the busiest days of the year for the service.
The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) said Black Friday – the Friday before the Christmas holidays – saw a 7.5pc increase on the average number of calls over the last four weeks.
Matt Broad, locality director at EEAST, said: 'We were extremely busy yesterday and last night, but I would like to thank our staff in the control rooms and on the frontline who worked really hard to provide a good service to patients.
'The Christmas and winter period is always busy for the ambulance service and I would encourage anyone who needs medical help to choose well. If you need help but it is not an emergency please call 111, which is open 24 hours a day and who will be able to get the right help for you.'
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