In the wake of Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust's emergency department being placed on black alert, hospital leaders and clinicians have urged people in Cornwall to use alternative services wherever possible.

RCHT Chief Executive Kate Shields said: "Having got ourselves back on track, we need to make sure we take steps early to maintain and improve that position, so that we can provide safe and timely care for those with genuinely urgent and life-threatening conditions,

“Over the last few days we’ve had a great response from local people and we really need them to continue to make the right choices. The NHS 111 team can help those who aren’t sure where to go, just call 111.”

Anyone who does not have a life-threatening condition is advised to take the following advice:

Self-care: Having a few basic items in your bathroom medicine cabinet can save you time and effort should you become ill. Items like paracetamol, a bandage, sticking plasters, and antiseptic cream or indigestion tablets. If troublesome symptoms persist or worsen see your GP.

Repeat medication: If you or someone you care for requires repeat medication contact your GP practice to organise prescriptions.

Visit your local pharmacist: You can speak to your pharmacist for confidential expert advice and over-the-counter treatments for a wide range of common illnesses and complaints, such as stomach upsets, allergies, minor cuts, nappy rash, skin conditions and coughs and colds.

You can also arrange an urgent prescription for a supply of any prescribed medicines that run out, so you don’t have to use the out of hours’ service or the emergency department. This service is also available for anyone who’s on holiday or visiting family.

NHS 111: The NHS 111 service can put you in contact with the GP out-of-hours service, which can arrange for you to see a healthcare professional during bank holidays, evenings and weekends.

If you need help fast but your health problem isn’t life threatening, the 111 service can help. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is free to call from landlines and mobile phones. It includes a full range of local health services, including doctors, community nurses, emergency dental care and late opening chemists. NHS 111 is also online at 111.nhs.uk.

Minor injury unit: If your injury is not serious you can get help from a minor injuries unit (MIU) rather than go to the emergency department. By doing so you allow emergency department staff to concentrate on people with serious and life-threatening conditions and save yourself a potentially long wait. You will be seen by an experienced nurse, without an appointment. X-ray is available at some locations. Access waiting times.

Minor injury units are based at:

• Bodmin Community Hospital

• Camborne Redruth Community Hospital

• Falmouth Community Hospital

• Launceston Community Hospital

• Liskeard Community Hospital

• Newquay Community Hospital

• St Austell Community Hospital

• St Mary’s Community Hospital

• Stratton Community Hospital, Bude

Urgent treatment centre: The urgent treatment centre at West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance is open 24-hours a day, 365 days a year for anyone needing urgent medical care for injuries and conditions such as fractures, deep cuts, non-life threatening head injuries and minor falls. You will be seen by a doctor from 9am to 10pm and an experienced nurse overnight. X-ray is available from 8am to 11pm.

Emergency department or 999: Only use the emergency department or the 999 ambulance service for life threatening and emergency conditions. If a family member is experiencing chest pain or has become unconscious telephone 999 immediately.

Online waiting time service: If you do need to visit the emergency department, a minor injury unit or urgent care centre, you can see how long you may have to wait by using the online waiting time service, which shows the longest wait, how many people are waiting to be seen and how many people are in the department. It also includes opening times and x-ray availability.