A&E should be used for 'real emergencies' (From This is The West Country)

A&E should be used for 'real emergencies'

12:50pm Thursday 16th February 2012 in Cornwall

Truro’s Royal Cornwall Hospital and and West Cornwall Hospital have been put “under pressure” by patients turning up for treatment that could be provided by their GP.

There has been a "marked increase" in patients arriving with minor injuries and ailments and health bosses are now encouraging people to think twice before heading to A&E departments.

Examples in the past week include help being sought for a sore throat, non-traumatic back pain, a flare-up on long-standing joint arthritis and mild gastroenteritis.

Dr Andrew Virr, lead consultant for the emergency department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, said: “Our role here is to treat those with immediate and potentially life-threatening illness and injury.”

Patients with minor ailments are encouraged to seek help from their GP, pharmacy or minor injury unit a local community hospitals.

“There is also a GP led walk-in centre in Redruth, on the Cardrew Industrial Estate, which is open from 8am until 8pm every day of the year with no appointment necessary.

Urgent primary medical care is also available from Serco overnight and at weekends and bank holidays, by calling 0845 2000 227.

Anyone unsure whether an injury is minor can contact their local minor injuries unit for advice or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.