Rise in football-related injuries in Cornwall since the Euros started
The NHS is urging sports fans not to 'bend it like Beckham' and end up in hospital
There has been a rise in the number of football-related injuries across Cornwall since the 2020 Euros started.
Cornwall’s NHS has seen a jump in injuries including twisted ankles, broken legs, and concussion at its minor injury units and emergency department.
Now as England get set to take on Denmark in the semi-finals at Wembley, sports fans are being urged not to 'bend it like Beckham' and end up in hospital
Wannabe Harry Kanes are being urged to leave the tackles and headers to the pros and enjoy the footy from the safety of their sofa on Wednesday evening.
“Our hospitals are really busy at the moment, and we’ve seen an increase in people with sports-related injuries needing treatment.
“The NHS actively encourages people to stay active with apps like Couch to 5k, but we want people to know their limits and take care when playing sports, particularly if they’re having a kick-about with friends after a few beers. Players like Harry Maguire and Raheem Stirling train for years to tackle, defend and score goals, and the sad reality is that most of us will never reach their dizzy heights of success, so have fun, keep fit, but please leave the nifty footwork to the professionals.”
Dr Rob White, Cornwall’s urgent and emergency care lead clinician
If you do find yourself needing medical help after using jumpers for goalposts, please do not head straight to the emergency department or minor injury unit to have broken bones, sprains and strains fixed – this is to ensure our staff and patients can stick to social distancing rules.
Please either call your GP, or visit nhs.uk or call 111 if you need help when your GP surgery is closed, or you think you may need to go to a minor injury unit.
Cuts and scrapes can be treated at home using antiseptic, and plasters and bandages to avoid infections.
Please only call 999 if you have a life-threatening or serious emergency such as a heart attack, a stroke, a severe loss of blood, or are unconscious. Call 999 for an ambulance if it’s an emergency and you think you’ll need the care of paramedics on the way to hospital.
If you don’t think it’s a serious or life-threatening emergency:
• Call your own GP. Even if you are in Cornwall on holiday you could get a phone or video consultation with your own doctor at home. GPs have been working throughout the pandemic, and you should make them your first call.
• Ask a pharmacist for advice – they’re experts in treating minor health issues like coughs, colds, hayfever, red sticky eyes, water infections, stomach upsets, aches and pains. They can also prescribe you an emergency prescription of regular medication if you have run out, or forgot to pack it in your suitcase. Visit kernowccg.nhs.uk for details of pharmacy opening times.
You can visit kernowccg.nhs.uk for details of pharmacy opening times.