Bosses at Cornwall's main hospital are asking the public to stay away unless absolutely necessary as the emergency department faces "operational pressures."

People are asked to seek alternative treatment where possible to minimise pressure on staff and services at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.

Toby Slade, emergency department clinical director for the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro is extremely busy at the moment and we are caring for a high number of emergency patients alongside a large number of people who are delayed in hospital.

“I would urge people to only come to the emergency department in a genuine emergency and seek alternative services where they can, for example through NHS 111. We are also asking families, friends and other care providers to help where they can so that patients can leave hospital quickly when they are ready to do so.”  

Members of the public are asked to help the NHS by using alternative services where possible, and only using A&E for serious and life-threatening conditions such as chest pain, stroke, severe abdominal pain, severe bleeding or breathing difficulties, major broken bones and serious head injuries.

For everything else, people can use other services such as a GP, pharmacy, NHS 111 or minor injury units.