Cornish hospitals working to discharge patients to create capacity for Jubilee weekend
On Tuesday over 600 people attended A&E and minor injury units
People across Cornwall are being urged to help ease pressure on our local NHS over the Jubilee bank holiday weekend.
Hospital bosses say they have seen high numbers over half term already and waiting times are long.
On Tuesday (31st May) over 600 people attended the emergency department at Treliske and minor injury units across Cornwall.
We're told work is underway to try and discharge as many medically-fit patients as possible to create capacity for the long weekend,
A spokesperson for the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust told us: "It’s proving to be a typically busy half-term week and we’ve seen high numbers of people using minor injury units and coming to the emergency department throughout the week.
"Waiting times are longer than we would want them to be and health and care colleagues are working hard to get as many people as possible who are medically fit discharged before the Jubilee weekend, so we can to create the capacity we will need over the next four days.
"In terms of numbers on Tuesday there were well over 600 Emergency Department and MIU attendances."
Locals and holidaymakers are being asked to choose the right services for medical care and to use attend A&E if the situation is life-threatening.
When you’re in need of help to look after health concerns there are lots of options. So it’s good to know which of them will be best for your circumstances.
First, do not overlook the value of having your own well-stocked medicine cupboard. A basic first aid kit with plasters, bandages, burn cream, bite cream, antihistamine, antiseptic, and paracetamol (including the liquid form for babies and children) is the fuss-free way to ease all sorts.
Local pharmacies are a great port of call if you need expert help or advice. Pharmacists are highly skilled and can help with a long list of minor ailments, including eye and skin conditions. A consultation can take place in a private room with no appointment needed. They can share notes back to your GP, or refer you if it’s something more serious.
You should remember to order any repeat medicines well ahead of a public holiday. But if you do run out for any reason, the local pharmacist can issue an emergency supply. For all of your pharmacy needs, the ‘Find a pharmacy’ page on the nhs.uk website will show your nearest, along with the opening hours.
NHS 111 is available any time of the night or day, by phoning 111 or online at 111.nhs.uk. Trained advisors will direct you to the most appropriate care, with a clinician on hand if needed.
For mental health concerns, there is a helpline open 24 hours a day. Call for free on 0800 038 5300.
Your own GP is the best when there’s something worrying you about your health. So, even if you are away from home, you should contact your local surgery. As well as face-to-face when there is a need to be seen in person, there are a range of appointment types these days.
If you have a more serious and sudden need, you can visit a minor injury unit or the urgent treatment centre at West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance. Staffed by highly skilled nurses and clinicians, they can treat broken bones, animal and insect bites, cuts and injuries which may need stitching. Some have X-ray facilities. Please make sure you call 111 before you go.
For a life-threatening condition, you should use the emergency department or 999 straight away. This means conditions such as breathing difficulties, suspected heart attack or stroke, and unconsciousness.
Please only use the emergency services for an emergency situation that is life-threatening, so that they are available to those who truly need them.
Recently, Nick Kaye of Hendra’s Pharmacy in Penryn attended a royal reception held at St James’ Palace to mark the work of pharmacists. At the event, Prince Charles praised community pharmacy for being a friendly and reassuring presence, and providing prompt access to advice and treatment.
Nick, who is Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Local Pharmaceutical Committee says “Community pharmacists train for a number of years to gain the knowledge to advise on your health concerns. We are readily available to help you, whether you need an over-the-counter remedy or a more formal consultation in private.
“Pharmacy plays a key role in enabling our healthcare system to flow better. You may ask us for advice on self-care remedies to keep at home, or about something more complex. Always keep the emergency department for life-saving matters. Help us to help you, and in turn help our NHS.
“Community pharmacy is open for you should you need us this bank holiday weekend. Out of hours, the NHS 111 service is available for you round the clock. COVID-19 is still circulating, so please wear a face covering when visiting the pharmacy or any other healthcare setting.”
Visit kernowccg.nhs.uk/choose-well to see details of all services, opening and waiting times.