Up to 210,000 visitors a day are expected to arrive in the county, and health and care services are already seeing high demand. This year, more than ever, Cornwall’s health professionals say they need the support of residents and holidaymakers.
Anna Shekhdar, one of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust’s emergency department consultants, Visit Cornwall’s chief executive Malcolm Bell and Dr John Garman, NHS Kernow Clinical Commissioning Group governing body member, launched a campaign on the beach earlier this month – and the NHS is underlining its message now as we head into the holiday season.
Anna said: “Although a person’s instinct may be to go to an emergency department to get something checked out, we are asking people to think twice before coming to a hospital unless it is life-threatening illness or injury and make use of other services if they can.
“Everyone across health and care is working together to make sure we are here for you this summer.
“While we’re making sure that there are extra ambulance crews and clinical teams in our hospitals, minor injuries units and urgent treatment centres, we still need everyone living in and visiting Cornwall to use the right health services for their need, to make sure we keep our emergency department free for those with life-threatening illnesses or injuries.”
Dr John Garman said: “As people embrace the next stage of the easing of lockdown and greater freedom, we are all expecting this summer to be like no other. We want people to enjoy our beautiful county but if they do become ill or injured, be able to access healthcare services quickly and safely.
“Your own GP, whether you are at home or away, is always the best first point of call, and pharmacists can also offer help and treatment with over-the-counter remedies.
“With more people out and about, taking part in new activities, getting back on the surfboard, paddleboard or lacing up the walking boots, we anticipate treating more broken or fractured bones and sprains, and burns. For these urgent but not emergency conditions, when your GP surgery is closed, or you simply don’t know what type of care you need, people should call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.
“COVID has not gone away and we must remain on our guard, taking steps to protect ourselves, each other and the NHS.”
Malcom Bell, Visit Cornwall’s chief executive, said: “People deserve to have a fabulous summer and our beaches and countryside are here for the taking. But we are urging people to consider the extra load on our critical services. Help us protect our NHS, respect our advice about which services to use and when and enjoy your holidays.”