Bosses at the Royal Cornwall Hospital are asking people to collect their loved ones from hospital as soon as they are contacted to say they can leave, as the 'black alert' in the duchy continues.

While hospitals are send people home, the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro remains on the highest alert level due to the pressure for beds.

NHS Kernow Governing Body member Dr Iain Chorlton said: “We’ve had a productive weekend and have got people home from hospital as soon as they’re ready to leave.

“Today, we’re urging anyone who is contacted by the hospital to collect someone, to do so as early as possible. This may seem an obvious request, but it will ensure beds are available for anyone who needs one. This is critical to reducing pressure in the system and getting it back on track.”

People are still being asked to stay away from A&E at Treliske unless it is urgent.

Below is a breakdown of the type of healthcare available and when people should use it:

  • Self care: Keep a well stocked medicine cabinet for treatment of minor illnesses or ailments and get plenty of rest.
  • NHS 111 and out of hours: For all urgent health questions, 24-hours a day. Call 111.
  • Pharmacist: For expert advice and treatment for a wide range of minor illnesses and ailments and the best medicines to treat them. To find your nearest pharmacy or to check opening hours and rotas, click here. 
  • GPs: For expert medical advice, medical examinations and prescriptions for illnesses. Your GP can also refer you to a specialist for further treatment if necessary. To access out of hours GP services call 111. If you are not registered with a GP, visit www.nhs.uk to find your nearest one.
  • Walk-in Centre: For treatment of cuts, bruises, minor infections, stomach upsets, strains and skin complaints without an appointment - Cardrew Industrial Estate, Redruth, TR15 1SS. Open 8am to 8pm. Tel 01209 340997.
  • West Cornwall Hospital Urgent Care Centre: For minor and moderate injuries such as burns and scalds, fractures to legs, arms, ankles and wrists and lacerations that require stitching. It can carry out X-rays and initiate treatment for more serious injuries. Open 24 hours a day. Tel 01736 874113.
  • Minor Injury Unit: For treatment of a wide range of minor ailments and minor injuries from cuts and grazes to sprains and strains and broken bones without an appointment.
  • Accident and Emergency (A&E) or 999: For a critical or life-threatening situation. Local A&E departments are located at:

Truro: Royal Cornwall Hospital 01872 250 000

Outside the normal hours of your GP surgery, emergency clinic appointments are available at Bodmin, Cambourne-Redruth, Falmouth, Helston, Truro, Launceston, Liskeard, Newquay, St. Austell, Stratton, and Penzance.

Please phone 111 for further assistance if you need advice or need to see a clinician via an appointment system, or as a home visit for patients unable to attend a clinic in any of these areas.    

- See more at: http://www.kernowccg.nhs.uk/get-info/choose-better/#sthash.9q9HrVhp.dpuf