She added: “I would urge people who can make their own way to hospital or an urgent treatment centre to do so.
“Arriving by ambulance doesn’t mean you get seen quicker than other patients, and a lift from a friend or a taxi may get you there sooner.”
People served by SCAS, which covers Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hampshire and Buckinghamshire, who do not need urgent or emergency help are asked to call 111 or use 111.nhs.uk, external.
“Whichever route you take, you’ll just need to answer a few questions about your main symptoms to get the information and advice you need,” Willis-Drewett said.
“This could be directing you to the most appropriate local urgent healthcare service, or a call back from a doctor, nurse or paramedic.”