People urged to choose right services for medical help as NHS in Cornwall faces extra pressure
Bosses say the spike is down to people having more freedom and enjoying the good weather
There is a warning that hospitals in Cornwall are getting busier and facing extra pressure as lockdown restrictions lift.
NHS Kernow say the spike has been triggered by the good weather and people having more freedom.
We are being urged to choose the right services for medical help and to only got to A&E if it is critical.
Kieran Bignell is a consultant paramedic, director of integrated care and system director for urgent and emergency care operations for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
He is asking people coming to Cornwall on holiday to come prepared.
"People are making the most of our wonderful county and beautiful weather as we receive some greater freedoms of lockdown easing.
"This unfortunately means that our hospitals, 111 team, emergency department and minor injury units are getting really busy.
"We're asking the public to help us so that we can give people the help they need, when they need it.
"Help us keep emergency services free for emergency and life-threatening care such as strokes and heart attacks.
"If you're staying away from home in self-contained accommodation, make sure you've got some of the essentials with you including plasters, paracetamol and enough of your regular medication to last your entire stay.
"Don't let your guard down, follow lockdown rules maintaining hands, face space, remember the rule of six and not to mix more than two households."
Kieran Bignell, system director for urgent and emergency care operations for Cornwall
Do you need urgent NHS care in Cornwall? Then contact NHS 111
There’s a new system in Cornwall if you need urgent – but not emergency – care.
Just contact NHS 111 by phone or online at any time of day or night, to find out where you should go and when.
If needed, expert clinicians will arrange for you to be seen at the Emergency Department (ED) or at a range of other treatment units. Please don’t just turn up, as you may be directed elsewhere or have to wait longer.
This is a new way of accessing urgent care in Cornwall, to make sure everyone stays as safe as possible during the pandemic. It will help the NHS manage the flow of patients when capacity in waiting rooms is much smaller than before, to maintain distancing and reduce the risk of infection. For this reason the NHS may ask you to come into the department on your own.
It means you will get the right treatment, more quickly - and probably closer to home as well.
And if you’re a visitor to Cornwall, you don’t need to look up details of NHS services if you need urgent treatment – just phone 111 or go online at: 111.nhs.uk/
Arrangements have not changed for people with serious or life-threatening illnesses or injuries. Please continue to dial 999 as before.
Think NHS 111 First
What is a minor injury unit?
Minor Injury Units (MIU) are located in community hospitals and are run by highly skilled specialist clinicans and are able to treat a range of minor conditions, which have occurred during the previous 14 days.
Sprains and strains
Broken bones
Traumatic wound infections (not surgical wounds)
Minor burns and scalds
Head injuries (where the person has not been unconscious)
Insect and animal bites and stings
Minor eye injuries, and
Cuts, bruising and grazes.
Getting help for a minor injury
Contact NHS 111 by phone or online at any time of day or night, to find out where you should go and when.
Live waiting times and information on current availability of the MIUs here.