The ambulance trust covering Cornwall has warned people to expect disruption during this week’s G7 Summit and says it is putting on extra services to cope with demand.

The event will see leaders from various countries, including the UK, gather in Carbis Bay from Friday until Sunday, where they will discuss global challenges such as the economy, Covid-19, trade, green technology and the environment.

Devon and Cornwall Police will command the largest policing and security operation in its history for the summit.

Now, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) has said: "With unique security considerations, the event will bring a level of inevitable disruption to the local communities, particularly around the four official locations of Carbis Bay, St Ives, Falmouth and Newquay.

"People are encouraged to plan travel in advance, due to the likely impact on the transport network within the county.

"Cornwall’s healthcare system has been experiencing increased demand for services recently, with people travelling to the county following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

"SWASFT will be providing additional resources in the area to ensure it can manage the increased demand it expects the summit to generate."

However, the public are being asked to call 111 first if they need urgent healthcare, and only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency to help everyone get the care they need.

Wayne Darch, SWASFT assistant director of operations (EPRR and specialist practice), said: “We are honoured to be supporting the safe delivery of the G7 summit by providing frontline colleagues, as well as strategic and tactical assistance.

“We deal with increased pressure on our service regularly, and we are confident of maintaining a safe and effective service to our patients during the summit.

“Please think twice before calling 999 for an ambulance, and make appropriate use of other healthcare providers such as NHS 111.”

Anyone can still call 999 for an ambulance or visit A&E in a medical emergency, which is classed as when someone is seriously ill or injured, and their life is at risk – for example if someone has stopped breathing, is unconscious or has serious bleeding.

Those with non-life threatening but urgent medical problems should contact NHS 111 online or by phone – for example broken or fractured bones, sprains, or burns.

They should not attend a minor injury unit (MIU), or urgent treatment centre (UTC) without contacting 111 first.

Anyone who needs non-urgent healthcare or advice should contact their registered GP surgery, and visitors to Cornwall are reminded to bring any regular medication.

"Inappropriate use of NHS services puts unnecessary additional pressure on limited resources, and can delay care for those most in need," added the ambulance service.