Huge Thanks to NHS Staff After One of Cornwall’s Busiest Half Term Weeks

Emergency departments, minor injury units and GPs see surge in demand across county

It’s been one of the busiest half term weeks in recent memory for NHS teams across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, with thousands turning to health services for urgent care and support.

Between Friday 23rd and Friday 30th May, the region has seen an enormous number of people needing help. The main emergency department in Truro alone saw nearly 1,700 patients, while over 2,000 people visited one of the county’s 10 minor injury units. A further 460 sought help at the urgent treatment centre at West Cornwall Hospital.

GPs and pharmacies working flat out

Roughly 70,000 appointments have been provided by GP surgeries over the past week. On top of that, an estimated 1,200 people accessed quick treatment at local pharmacies using services such as Pharmacy First, which offers help for minor conditions without needing to see a GP.

Dr Chris Reid, chief medical officer at NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, thanked staff for their hard work and the public for mostly using services responsibly.

“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been working in, or supporting, our health services this half term, it’s greatly appreciated,” said Chris.

“I’d also like to thank our residents and visitors to the county, too, for being thoughtful when using our services. It’s true to say we’ve had a fair few people who’ve come to the emergency department and minor injury units who could have used pharmacies or phoned their home GP, but the majority have chosen well.

“This is why it’s more important than ever to remind everyone of our key message, which is to consider all the options for accessing health services. That really does help our teams focus their skills on those who need them most.”

Heading into the weekend: think before you go

With another busy weekend expected to close out the half term, the advice remains the same: think Pharmacy First for self-care, forgotten medications and treatment for seven common conditions. If you’re not sure where to go, use 111 online or call 111 for advice on the nearest and quickest service for your needs.