Cornwall Residents Urged to Choose Wisely

In Cornwall, health and care services continue to operate under a critical incident, initially declared on Sunday, January 21. Amid this ongoing situation, local health staff are earnestly advising residents to make informed choices about where to seek medical care.

Healthcare professionals across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are working in unison, striving to provide essential health and care support to patients. The emphasis is on directing people to the most appropriate service for their needs, reserving emergency departments and 999 calls for life-threatening conditions.

Residents have a variety of health services available to them:

• Local pharmacists are available for medical advice, with 90 pharmacies, including some in supermarkets.
• Ten minor injury units, open during weekends and evenings without appointments, can assist with issues like sprains, cuts requiring stitches, and certain injuries to arms, legs, and feet, including broken bones.
• The urgent treatment centre at West Cornwall Hospital, operational until midnight, offers care for deep cuts, fractures, minor falls, and non-critical head injuries.
• The NHS 111 service, accessible online and by phone 24/7, offers advice and call-back requests. Online queries typically receive faster responses.
• A 24/7 mental health helpline is available at 0800 038 5300 for mental health support.

These measures are in place to ensure that the emergency department’s resources are focused on patients requiring urgent, life-saving care.

The effectiveness of these alternatives is highlighted by the experience of Saltash resident Bob Burgess, who received prompt treatment for a broken ankle at Bodmin minor injury unit before Christmas, avoiding the need for an emergency department visit.

Local pharmacist and NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board member, Nick Kaye, underscores the pressure on health services. He encourages residents to utilise community pharmacy teams for various health conditions, thus alleviating the strain on emergency services.

Additionally, family and friends of hospitalised patients are being asked to assist by facilitating timely discharges. Personal health budgets, available as one-off grants, can support expenses or equipment necessary for bringing a relative or friend home from the hospital.

As Cornwall continues to navigate this critical health incident, the community’s cooperation and understanding are crucial in ensuring that those in need of urgent care receive it promptly.