Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust have seen a rise in emergency visits this week, and are reminding people that the emergency department is not the place for minor illnesses.

With England playing Croatia this evening in their first semi-final match since 1990, the only definite outcome is that a few more beers will be drunk than on an average Wednesday, and with that comes the risk of injury.

But the hospital's NHS Trust have produced a video in which emergency department consultant Toby Slade reminds people that emergency services are only to be used if injuries are severe enough to threaten "life or limb."

In recent weeks, emergency departments in Cornwall have seen people admitting themselves for issues as minor as dizziness, frequent urination, sore throats, coughs, rashes, and localised swelling.

Coincidentally, many of these symptoms can be relieved with an Alka-Seltzer and/or a greasy takeaway of your choice.

The NHS Trust said: "If it is not a life-threatening emergency, please consider other options before dialling 999 or coming to the Emergency Department. This allows emergency staff to concentrate on people whose lives are at risk, and could also save you a long wait."

One option is to call the non-emergency line on 111 if you have a medical issue that is not urgent.

Some symptoms for which they DO recommend using emergency services include: loss of consciousness, an acute confused state, fits that are not stopping, persistent, severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding that cannot be stopped, severe allergic reactions, severe burns or scalds, suspected heart attack or stroke, or major trauma like a serious road traffic accident, a stabbing, a shooting, a fall from height, or a serious head injury.