Plymouth surgeons could be moved to Truro hospital
That is according to the boss of Cornwall's hospitals, who says it would ease pressure on Derriford
The boss of Cornwall's hospitals has explained that the Truro hospital could also be used for surgery for patients from Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.
Kate Shields, chief executive of Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust (RCHT) has confirmed that there are currently seven coronavirus patients in Royal Cornwall Hospital with three in intensive care.
That figure is much lower than Plymouth's. The city's Director of Public Health, Dr Ruth Harrell has told Greatest Hits Radio there are around 50 coronavirus patients currently being treated at Derriford.
Mrs Shields explained that University Hospitals Plymouth Trust – which runs Derriford – had shown how quickly the number of coronavirus cases could grow.
She said: “We are doing what we can to contain infections in hospital and to protect our patients.”
She added that RCHT had offered the Plymouth hospital an opportunity to use RCH for surgery.
She said: “We are already speaking to Derriford and we are planning to have a team to come over to RCH to provide complex surgery. That will help Derriford while they are busier than ever.”
Mrs Shields also said that there was a need in Cornwall for more health and social care staff to help people who are ready to be discharged from hospital.
She explained that current “gaps in the workforce” meant it was “difficult” to discharge patients.