Cornwall's A&E and minor injury units see over 3,000 patients in a week
The Royal Cornwall Hospitals' Trust has issued an appeal as demand and Covid rates remain high
Last updated 11th Dec 2021
More than 3000 people have attended minor injury units and the emergency department in the last week and rising Covid infection rates in Cornwall continue to be above the national average.
Figures show as of Friday (10th December), the Royal Cornwall Hospitals' Trust was treating 45 patients with coronavirus.
Now its teams are asking people to keep up the support they have been giving by choosing the right services when they need urgent care and collecting patients as soon as they are ready to go home.
RCHT Medical Director, Dr Allister Grant, said: "We all know it’s been an exceptionally busy time for health and care services right across the country.
"Our teams know that over the coming weeks and months we can expect high demand for our care, particularly as we wait to see how big an impact the covid variants will have".
Earlier this week, Cornwall Council revealed that the recent rise in coronavirus case rates in the Duchy was 'likely' driven by the new Omicron variant.
Its Public Health Team is urging people to stick to the 'Plan B' restrictions and book their jabs and boosters as soon as they are eligible.
How can I help reduce the pressure on the NHS?
The Royal Cornwall Hospitals' Trust says, essentially, there are four ways people can reduce the pressure on services this winter:
• Keeping as well as possible and seeking help early if they feel an existing condition is getting worse;
• Choosing the right service when they need care themselves or someone else;
• Helping us to get patients home as soon as they are medically fit by collecting them early in the day and if they can, supporting them at home for a short while;
• Boost your immunity by getting covid and flu vaccinations.
More information about care pathways and where to go to receive treatment can be found on NHS Kernow's website.
Dr Allister Grant added: "As well as the ways our population can help us, help you, we’ve also been busy doing everything we can to increase the capacity we have to care for those who need our services.
"We’ve recently opened a care hotel to offer intermediate facilities for people waiting for ongoing care or home support, and will shortly be opening a new reablement ward at the Royal Cornwall Hospital to get people back on their feet and to regain the confidence to continue to live independently at home.
“All this means we’re actively looking for new people to join our teams, too, not only in the NHS but in the wider care sector.
"If you’re considering a change of job or a new career for 2022, why not take a look at our websites to see the range of rewarding roles on offer".
Details of vacancies can be found on the NHS Jobs website or at Proud to Care Cornwall.