Cornwall's health care system running at 'critical incident' level since October
NHS Kernow says demand remains high but it is not as badly affected by staff absences
Last updated 6th Jan 2022
We can confirm the entire health care system in Cornwall has been operating at 'critical incident' level since October, including Treliske.
It was declared over extreme pressures and demand remains high, with over 80 patients waiting at A&E at Treliske at one point on Tuesday night.
Bosses say they are continuing to monitor the situation and urging people to use the right services, following December's open letter about the pressures facing our health service.
NHS Kernow has confirmed the Duchy is not as badly affected by staff absences as other parts of the country, with 26 off due to Covid on Boxing Day.
However they are identifying clinical staff who might not be working on the frontline to help continue to provide safe care to patients.
Across the Tamar in Devon, more than 1,000 NHS staff are off work due to Covid and Derriford Hospital has declared a critical incident.
In a statement, officials said: "Our health and care system continues to manage ongoing and sustained pressures for clinical services, having declared a critical incident in October 2021.
"We continue to work together to manage demand and ask people to continue use the most appropriate service for their health and care need, including managing minor ailments at home or with the support of a community pharmacist, and collecting loved ones from hospital as soon as they’re told they’re ready to leave.
"The single most important thing people can do to support our NHS and care system is to get their COVID-19 vaccination to protect themselves, and others.
"Our GPs, community pharmacists and vaccination hubs have vaccinated an incredible 88%* of our eligible population during the past month, and it’s not too late for anyone to get their first, second or booster jabs. Visit kernowccg.nhs.uk for details of your nearest session.
"Our staff continue to work very hard to deliver frontline services and care, and we are currently not experiencing levels of staff absence in Cornwall that is being experienced in other parts of the country.
"That doesn’t mean we are complacent and continue to monitor the situation and are identifying clinical staff who may not be working on the front line to help us continue providing safe patient care to those who need it".