Treliske treating 42 patients with coronavirus as it continues to face extreme demand
The hospital has issued a Halloween appeal for people to avoid casualty unless it is critical
The man in charge of urgent care at the Royal Cornwall Hospital says admissions will continue to feel the impact of the recent rise in coronavirus infections for the next few weeks.
Treliske is currently treating 42 patients with Covid, including three who are in critical care, and has issued a Halloween appeal as it continues to face extreme demand which caused it to declare an 'internal critical incident'.
As we head into a busy weekend, with extended half-term holidays and Halloween celebrations on the calendar for many, NHS staff across Cornwall are asking people to keep up the support that has seen less demand on services this week.
Emergency Department Consultant and Director for Urgent and Emergency Care at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals, Dr Toby Slade said: "Although the last few days have been a little less pressured, it is too soon for anyone to relax just yet.
"We know that having had a spike in Covid infections in Cornwall a couple of weeks ago, the impact of that will continue to be felt in terms of admissions over the next couple of weeks.
"We're also mindful many schools have extended half term holidays, so the county is likely to remain busy next week".
Over last week more than 2,000 people have been seen at the West Cornwall Hospital urgent treatment centre and minor injury units across the county.
Toby continued: "We are seeing many people make the right choices and would urge everyone with an urgent need, that isn’t a 999 emergency, to consider all of the options available, including pharmacies and their own GP.
"The 111 online website can help you make that choice, or you can call 111.
"If you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health call 0800 038 5300. The number is available 24-hours, every day".
The 111 telephone service can also provide expert clinical advice for poorly children and book them into out of hours clinics when appropriate.
Toby added: "We’re also still really keen to encourage families to help out wherever they can, as we are still seeing high numbers of people in acute and community hospitals ready to leave but waiting for some extra support at home.
"If families/friends could help with that for a short while – they may be able to access a grant of up to £1200 to help out with equipment or buying in a personal carer – it would make a really big difference to freeing up beds for those need emergency admission.
"Clearly we all want to do everything we can to reduce ambulance delays, so crews can get to the next emergency, and people who need to be in hospital can be admitted to a ward as quickly as possible".
More information about choosing the right care pathway can be found on the NHS Kernow website.