Royal Cornwall Hospital is facing "significant pressure". 

Opel 4, formerly known as black alert, was declared earlier today. 

The hospital is no longer at Opel 4 but is still urging people to use the emergency department only if they are facing a life-threatening condition. 

Dr John Garman, a family GP and NHS Kernow Governing Body member said: “Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’s health and care system is experiencing a lot of pressure at the moment, and our staff working across the NHS, adult social care, the voluntary sector and care homes are once again pulling out all the stops to make sure people are cared for, and can get home when they’re medically ready to leave our hospitals.

"We would like to thank everyone who is working for us at this time.

“We are heading in to a busy week and anticipate high levels of people visiting the county for a holiday during the October half-term break who may need our help if they become unwell.

“The public have previously helped us when we’ve been under pressure, and we’re once again asking them to help us to reduce any pressures by collecting their relatives as soon as they are ready to leave hospital, and to only use the emergency department if they have a life-threatening condition such as a heart attack, stroke, become unconscious, have difficulty breathing, or have a significant blood loss. By using the right service, and collecting their friends and relatives from hospital when we call them, will help us to reduce pressures and get our system back on track. We would like to thank the public for their support.”

  • Help Cornwall’s NHS by planning for a safe and healthy October half-term If you or a member of your family experience a minor injury or illness during the October half term holiday, don’t spend your time waiting in the emergency department - there are lots of different ways that you can access advice, support and treatments from the NHS.

Here are some ways you or your family can get help if you become ill, even if you are on holiday.

  1. Self-care: Having a few basic items in your medicine cabinet can save you time and effort should you become ill. Items should include paracetamol, a bandage, sticking plasters, antiseptic cream, and indigestion tablets. If troublesome symptoms persist or worsen see your GP or call 111 if your GP surgery is closed.
  2. Repeat medication: If you or someone you care for requires repeat medication, make sure you have ordered and collected any prescriptions before they run out. Contact your GP practice as soon as possible to organise prescriptions.
  3. 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, water infections, sticky eyes, cuts, nappy rash, skin conditions and coughs and colds. They can also arrange an urgent 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. You can get details of which pharmacies are open by visiting kernowccg.nhs.uk/get-info/choose-well.
  4. NHS 111: If you urgently need to see a GP when your surgery is closed and it cannot wait until it re-opens, call 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 in the evening and at the weekend.

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 health services, including doctors, community nurses, emergency dental care and late opening chemists. NHS 111 is also online at 111.nhs.uk.

5. 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. This will allow emergency department staff to concentrate on people with serious and life-threatening conditions. You will be seen by an experienced nurse, without an appointment. X-ray is available at some locations.

Access waiting times by visiting kernowccg.nhs.uk/get-info/choose-well

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 centres: The urgent treatment centres at West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance, and Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro 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 such as heart attack, stroke, if someone is unconscious, has severe loss of blood, or breathing difficulties. If a family member is experiencing chest pain or has become unconscious call 999 immediately.

Online waiting time service: If you 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. Visit kernowccg.nhs.uk/get-info/choose-well Family GP and NHS Kernow Governing Body member

Dr John Garman said: “We’re gearing up for the October half-term and are once again appealing to anyone who needs help to use the right service and keep the emergency department free for urgent and life-threatening care only.

"The emergency department is not the right place to treat sporting sprains and strains, minor fractures, broken bones, upset stomachs, insect bites and cuts. Please visit a minor injury unit or our urgent treatment centres in Penzance or Truro for treatment.

“Holidays and weekends are a time to relax and have fun but if you or a family member falls ill or has an accident, help yourself and the NHS by getting the right treatment for your level of illness or injury.

“If you have a minor illness or ailment then visit your local pharmacist. They can help with expert advice and over-the-counter remedies. If you need urgent medical advice but it is not a life threatening emergency, call NHS 111. Their call handlers can tell you anything from where to find an emergency dentist to getting you and out-of-hour’s doctor.”

James Cookson, Pharmaceutical Advisor for NHS Kernow said: “Pharmacies can provide a lot of help especially during the holiday season.

“If you’re suffering from a cough or cold, visit your local pharmacist, they can help you choose the right medicine. Also, make sure you’ve had your flu jab if you have a long term condition, care for someone, or are pregnant.

“They can also provide advice and treatment for a range of minor ailments, such as nappy rash, sticky eyes, water infections or bites and rashes. They can also arrange an emergency supply of medication if you have forgotten to renew your prescription, or bring your medication on holiday.”

Visit kernowccg.nhs.uk/choosewell for details of all services, opening and waiting times, and contact details.

NHS Kernow Clinical Commissioning Group has produced videos to promote minor injuries units and community pharmacy services. 

These can be viewed here and here.