Update: The hospital has moved back to OPEL Three this afternoon as hoped. Leaders still urge locals and holidaymakers to choose appropriate services. 

Royal Cornwall Hospital has moved into the highest alert as pressure mounts this morning.

A hospital trust spokesperson confirmed that the service is at Operational and Pressure Escalation Level (OPEL) Four this morning and urged people to use alternative services where possible.

But they added that conditions this morning are not as severe as the "major incident" declared last month and that they aim to step down the alert by this afternoon.

The spokesperson said: "We have moved to OPEL 4 this morning but with the actions this prompts, both within our hospitals and across the other health and care services, we’re aiming to be in a position to step down from this alert level later today.

"It is a busy time of year for our hospitals and we would ask local people and holidaymakers to consider the best place for their health needs and to use alternative services wherever possible. The locations and current waiting times for the network of minor injury units are available on our website – www.royalcornwall.nhs.uk – and for those who are unsure which service to use, or where to go, they can call 111 for advice.

"Holidaymakers as well as local people can also get expert advice on minor illness or prescription medicines from a pharmacist or they can arrange to see a GP, even as a temporary resident."

The spokesperson urged people to watch the following videos for more advice on local services: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKRef40rZ80; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zl1rLiQQcY.