Over a dozen ambulances queue outside Cornwall's main hospital
Some were reportedly waiting outside Treliske for over four hours
Last updated 28th Jun 2021
More than a dozen ambulances have been pictured queuing outside Cornwall's main hospital.
Some were reportedly waiting for over four hours at Treliske over the weekend.
The photos were shared on social media by a paramedic on Saturday and sparked a string of responses.
One person replied to the tweet saying: "Crews are exhausted. Not having a meal/rest period 7-8 hrs and not even having second break is becoming the norm. My last 5 shifts, I have not had a rest period before 7 hours and not received second break, and end up overrunning due to being stuck at ED.
"This morning I was so exhausted after being flogged all night, first break at 7 hrs in, not having second break, I was in the position where I was so exhausted, I nearly asked for a lift home from my crew mate because I did not feel safe to drive home."
Another posted: "ED is super busy ED staff are swomped Knock on effect for paramedic crews. Longer waits for an ambulance. Just a thought. Should we be signposting potential walk in patients to other areas of healthcare??? E consult GP services. Pharmacy consults. Minor injuries."
It comes after South Western Ambulance Service recently tweeted to say they are experiencing extremely high demand.
People are being urged not to call 999 unless it's a life-threatening emergency.
“The health and care system is very busy, having seen a significant rise in demand during the past few weeks as lockdown restrictions ease, people visit Cornwall and start venturing outside.
“Ambulance and hospital staff continue to focus their main efforts on those in greatest need, as we do every year as the summer season gets under way. We’re also working hard to get patients who are ready to leave hospital back home as quickly as possible.
“What always helps is if people with non-emergency conditions call 111 first, so they can be pointed to the right treatment, rather than adding to the pressure at A&E.”
Spokesperson for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’s health and care system