NHS Cornwall Under Significant Pressure: What You Need to Know as Critical Incident Declared

Health and care leaders have declared a system critical incident across Cornwall’s NHS services due to ongoing severe pressure. The announcement was made on Friday 3rd January after a week of sustained challenges at Cornwall’s main hospital and emergency department.

Ambulances Queued Outside Royal Cornwall Hospital

Kate Shields, Chief Executive of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, highlighted the situation:

“We are currently seeing a high number of ambulances waiting outside the Royal Cornwall Hospital and of patients in our emergency department. There are also a large number of patients in Cornwall’s hospitals who are medically fit to be discharged but are awaiting the right care.”

Declaring a critical incident allows health services to take immediate actions to increase capacity, discharge patients, and ease the pressure on emergency services.

Appeal to the Public: Use NHS Services Wisely

Kate emphasised the need for public support:

“Please only come to the emergency department if you have a life or limb-threatening emergency. Other NHS services are available, and we encourage you to use them whenever possible. These include our network of minor injury units, our urgent treatment centre at West Cornwall Hospital, out-of-hours GP services, local pharmacies and NHS 111.”

Patients with non-urgent needs who visit the emergency department will be redirected to more appropriate services.

How You Can Help

The NHS is urging families, friends, and neighbours to assist patients ready to leave hospital but awaiting home care support.

“Fast access one-off grants are also available, to use towards paying for care, expenses or equipment to help you get a relative or friend home from hospital,” Kate explained. “If you could support someone in your home, or in their own home, with a little extra help, please speak to the nurse in charge on the ward.”

Helping a patient get home even a day or two sooner can free up a vital hospital bed for someone in urgent need.

Look up ‘where is best’ advice online

Avoid Visiting Hospitals When Unwell

To prevent the spread of illnesses such as flu, norovirus, or COVID-19, residents are advised to avoid visiting health settings if they are feeling unwell. NHS 111 online provides guidance for managing symptoms at home.

Alternative NHS Services Available

For minor ailments such as allergies, infections, or the need for emergency prescriptions, pharmacies are a valuable resource. For urgent care needs like cuts, suspected fractures, or x-rays, Cornwall’s network of minor injury units can assist without an appointment. Check current wait times and opening hours here.

If urgent advice is needed, NHS 111 online or a call to 111 can connect you with expert clinicians who can direct you to the appropriate service.

Mental Health Support Available 24/7

Those struggling with mental health can contact Cornwall’s 24/7 helpline for free on 0800 038 5300. Additional resources are available on the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly website.

Emergency Cases Only at A&E

The NHS stresses that only life-threatening emergencies should prompt a visit to A&E or a call to 999. This includes severe conditions such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, stroke symptoms, or loss of consciousness.

Cornwall’s NHS staff continue to work tirelessly to manage demand and deliver essential care, but public cooperation remains crucial during this critical period.