THE NHS in the South Hams is being forced to put in place additional resources to cope with unpreced-ented demand for its services.

But the Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Comm-issioning Group – or New Devon CCG – said that, although the situation is challenging, it is not declaring a 'major incident'.

The post-Christmas period is ­traditionally very busy, but this year additional pressures of seasonal flu and respiratory problems have meant many more people than usual are being admitted to hospitals.

Some emergency departments are also experiencing longer waits.

As of Tuesday, nine hospitals in England and Wales had declared 'major incidents', calling a halt to all but essential operations as they struggled to cope with patient ­numbers. Figures published on Tuesday also show that A&E waiting times are at their worst since 2004.

In Devon, the CCG said all NHS-commissioned services are working together in response to the pressures. Additional nurses and doctors have been drafted in to help out and

day-case wards have temporarily changed to take overnight patients.

Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust has drafted in extra staff at Derriford Hospital to ensure patients are well cared for and every possible bed and area has been opened.

Community nursing teams have been boosted and more GPs have been made available to see patients during normal hours as well as evenings and weekends.

Patients will be contacted if arrangements for booked appointments change.

Doctors continue to encourage people to use the NHS wisely, ­pointing to the range of other NHS services that can often be a quicker alternative to A&E. In a non-­emergency situation, people should visit or phone their GP, pharmacy, minor injuries unit or NHS 111.

Dr David Jenner of New Devon CCG said: 'There's been a huge rise in demand, but we've put in place our winter plans to boost the support we have. But the situation continues to be challenging and we're having to make some difficult choices to ­prioritise those patients most in need.

'We've put on extra GP appointments at the weekend and out-of-hours; opened more beds at the acute and community hospitals; and brought in more specialists to help speed up safe discharge from ­hospital for patients.

'We'd like to say thank you to everyone for continuing to use 999 and emergency departments only in life-threatening situations. This is really helping us to make sure that those who need care get it.

'We'd also like to thank patients for their understanding during this difficult period, particularly when we've had to delay appointments.

'Thanks should also go to our NHS staff for their outstanding efforts in making sure patient care continues to be delivered when people need it.'