The A&E department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital says it is under significant pressure and is urging people not to turn up without calling 111 first.

In a tweet posted this afternoon the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust (RCHT) says it needs to concentrate on caring for people with serious and life-threatening illnesses first. Any urgent calls should dial 111 and that will get them the best service available.

The Tweet said: "Our A&E department is under significant pressure and we need to concentrate on caring for people with serious and life-threatening illnesses. If it’s not urgent call 111 and we’ll get you to the best service for your needs. Don’t turn up with a minor injury without calling 111 first."

The trust is already asking everyone to play their part in helping the NHS as lockdown restrictions are eased.

Dr Paul Cook, NHS Kernow governing body chairman, said: “We all want to make the most of the next stage of the relaxation of lockdown, and health and care partners across the county are getting ready for a summer like no other.

“But people should continue to maintain their guard against the COVID virus, protect themselves, their loved ones and friends, and the NHS.

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“Everyone across health and care is working together to make sure we do what we can to help people easily and quickly find the right service, nearest to where they are staying, or where they live, and make sure we’re here and ready for anyone who needs us.”

For people who need urgent – but not emergency – medical care when their own GP is not open, including during the bank holiday, and don’t think they can wait, there is just one number to remember – 111.

NHS 111 can be contacted online or by phone, at any time day or night.

Anyone who is either on holiday, or visiting from another part of the country is asked to call their own GP, and not the one closest to where they’re staying in Cornwall, if they need non-urgent advice.

If you’re staying away from home in self-contained accommodation, make sure that you’ve got some essentials with you including plasters, paracetamol, antiseptic, and order enough of your regular medication from your own GP ahead of your stay away.

Pharmacists across the county will be available during the bank holiday weekend and can provide expert, confidential advice, and over the counter remedies for minor injuries and illnesses.

The NHS asks that you do not turn up at the minor injuries units (MIU) or urgent treatment centres (UTC) without contacting 111 first. If, after contacting 111, you need to attend an MIU or UTC, you will be given an arrival time, which will help everyone continue to follow government guidance, maintain distance and keep people safe while COVID continues to circulate.

Anyone with serious or life-threatening illnesses or injuries should dial 999.