Cornwall’s hospitals have seen a rise in football-related injuries since England’s campaign for Euro glory began last month.
Twisted ankles, broken legs and concussion have all been seen in greater number at minor injuries units across the county, says Dr Rob White, who is urgent and emergency care lead for the county.
And as the nation prepares to watch the Three Lions come up against Denmark in the semi-finals this evening, any wannabe Harry Kanes are being urged to leave the tackles and headers to the pros, and enjoy the footy from the safety of their sofa.
“Our hospitals are really busy at the moment, and we’ve seen an increase in people with sports-related injuries needing treatment,” said Dr White.
“The NHS actively encourages people to stay active, but we want people to know their limits and take care when playing sports, particularly if they’re having a kick-about with friends after a few beers.
“Players like Harry Maguire and Raheem Stirling train for years to tackle, defend and score goals, and the sad reality is that most of us will never reach their dizzy heights of success, so have fun, keep fit, but please leave the nifty footwork to the professionals.”
If you do find yourself needing medical help after using jumpers for goalposts, please do not head straight to the emergency department or minor injury unit to have broken bones, sprains and strains fixed – this is to ensure our staff and patients can stick to social distancing rules.
Please either call your GP, or visit nhs.uk or call 111 if you need help when your GP surgery is closed, or you think you may need to go to a minor injury unit.
Cuts and scrapes can be treated at home using antiseptic, and plasters and bandages to avoid infections.
Please only call 999 if you have a life-threatening or serious emergency such as a heart attack, a stroke, a severe loss of blood, or are unconscious. Call 999 for an ambulance if it’s an emergency and you think you’ll need the care of paramedics on the way to hospital.
Visit kernowccg.nhs.uk for details of pharmacy opening times.