Both major hospitals serving people in South East Cornwall are on the highest state of alert, ’black’.

Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital yesterday (April 5) stepped up to its highest state of alert after ’extreme’ pressure on services forced the cancellation of numerous operations and medical investigations.

And the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, is also on black alert . The alert at Derriford was issued after unprecedented numbers reported to A&E.

Patients are being urged to consider how best to seek help, and reminded that only genuine emergencies should report to casualty departments. Patients who need non-emergency medical care should contact their GP, a local pharmacist or, out-of-hours, call NHS 111.

Cornish patients have been reminded that minor injury units at Bodmin, Launceston, Liskeard and St Austell can deal with minor injuries, such as cuts, burns, sprains, broken limbs and strains as well as treatment for minor illness.