MEMBERS of the public are asked to avoid going to the main Emergency Department in Truro as a result of "extreme pressure" on all health and care services. 

They are being urged to choose alternative services wherever possible, as emergency teams work at the Royal Cornwall Hospital to keep patients safe and to make sure patients’ treatment gets underway while they are waiting to be admitted to wards. 

Emergency Department consultant Dr Andy Virr said: “We are seeing year on year growth in demand for health and care services, reflecting an ageing population with increasingly complex needs.

"Despite our best plans, at times of peaks in demand, we can struggle to cope so leaders have come together to agree ways to step up our response.”

Cornwall Council is taking urgent steps to make sure that people who are currently in hospital but no longer need medical care are able to be safely discharged.

Cornwall Council portfolio holder for adults Rob Rotchell said: “Many patients are elderly and require support after discharge and we ask that relatives support us and their loved ones by helping patients that are medically well to leave hospital; to return to their own home.”

We are asking the public for their help by choosing alternative services wherever possible. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day. NHS 111 is aware of the current pressures in Cornwall and is able to provide advice on treatment options and direct you to appropriate local services.

Some routine outpatient appointments have been cancelled this afternoon.

Affected patients are being contacted personally, so there is no need to call the hospital.

Urgent cancer clinics, paediatrics and renal dialysis are not affected. Any appointments that are postponed will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

The trust's statement concluded: "We apologise for any inconvenience while we concentrate on caring for the high number of emergency patients needing admission."

Falmouth and Truro MP Sarah Newton said: “On Friday, I am meeting with the CEO of the RCHT and will be meeting the health secretary too.

"It’s essential that the staff at Treliske are given all the support that they need to deliver safe, high quality care.”