Health care services in Cornwall on so-called black alert amid "intense pressure"
NHS Kernow is urging people not to go to A&E at Treliske unless it is a serious or life-threatening emergency
Last updated 13th May 2021
Health care services across Cornwall are on so-called black alert.
OPEL 4 was declared on Wednesday.
NHS Kernow says the whole system is under "intense pressure".
It follows reports of ambulances queueing outside Treliske.
Patients are being urged not to visit A and E unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
Declaring a OPEL4 across all parts of our NHS and care system isn't a decision that is taken lightly.
"Ambulance calls outs, emergency admissions, demand for acute and community hospitals and the need for more care home places and home care packages have increased dramatically since lockdown restrictions began to ease after Easter.
"The vast majority of those needing care live in the Duchy.
"All our health and care services are under intense pressure.
"Health and care partners, including South West Ambulance Service Trust and voluntary organisations are meeting throughout the day to assess the latest calls on all services throughout the health and care system
"Adult social care along with health partners are working to ensure that patients who are ready to be discharged from hospital are getting appropriate care in the right place.
"Your own GP is your best GP, even when you're on holiday. GP surgeries continue to operate safely and effectively with telephone and video consultations and can use face to face appointments when clinically needed.
"Our Cornwall 111 service is backed up by expert clinicians who know our local services well and who can make sure people get the right advice and are signposted to the nearest and quickest service for their needs".
NHS Kernow Clinical Commissioning Group
In response to high demand, health and care services across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are calling on residents and holidaymakers for their support by accessing services appropriately and calling 111 first.
"All of our health and care services are busy and we need everyone to do their bit to support our teams to care safely for everyone by contacting their GP or 111 first.
"Residents and holidaymakers can really help to ease the pressure by making sure they use the right services, and by supporting family or friends so they can stay in their own homes, where appropriate.
"We're asking people not to call 999 or turn up to the emergency department unless they have a serious or life-threatening condition.
"The first point of call should always be your own GP, even if you are here on holiday, and when they are closed, or you simply don't know what type of care you need, just go online at 111.nhs.uk or dial 111".
Paul Cook, Chairman of NHS Kernow Clinical Commissioning Group