People in Cornwall are urged to "Think 111 First" and get treated closer to home.

The new approach to accessing urgent, but not emergency care was introduced last year to prevent over-crowding in waiting rooms, especially at the emergency department, in response to COVID-19.

NHS Kernow says: "As nationally we’re once again in lockdown, to help prevent the spread of the virus, calling 111 first remains the best way to safely and quickly access urgent care.

"Seven out of 10 people who called NHS 111 thinking they needed a 999 ambulance or help from the emergency department were seen in Cornwall by a GP (in and out of hours), at a minor injury unit or received advice over the telephone."

Where people needed an ambulance, this was arranged for them, and if a patient needed to go to the emergency department, the clinical team knew they were on their way.

Rob White, St Agnes GP said: “The fact that seven out of 10 people have received support at home or a local service close to where they live is testimony to the local knowledge of our Cornish 111 service.

“The team know what services are available, where and when, and can give people the option to travel a bit further to another unit which may be quieter, so they are treated faster.”

Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 to get to the right service quickly and safely. If calling the service, please be patient, your call will be answered and are all clinically triaged.