All our health services are busy right now, especially our ambulance service and the emergency department team at Truro and Derriford Hospital.

You can play your part in supporting us to care for people with serious and life-threatening illnesses.

Did you know you know you can get help and advice by calling 111 or go online at 111.nhs.uk? You may not need to go and wait in our local busy emergency department and could be directed to a minor injury unit which will be quicker and closer to home.

Only dial 999 for an ambulance in a genuine, life-threatening emergency, for example:

• Chest pain / breathing difficulties / heart attack
• Stroke
• Severe bleeding
• Severe allergic reactions
• Severe burns or scalds
• Serious head injuries
• Major trauma such as a road traffic accident or a fall from height

If you have called for an ambulance, please do not ring again asking for a time of arrival. Only call again if:

• The patient’s condition worsens
• You no longer need our help

The call handlers must prioritise speaking to the most seriously injured and unwell patients.

If you don’t think it’s a serious or life-threatening emergency:

• Call your own GP. Even if you are in Cornwall on holiday, you could get a phone or video consultation with your doctor at home.
• Go online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111 to get expert advice and be signposted to where you can get the best and nearest care for your needs.
• Ask a pharmacist for advice – they’re experts in treating minor health issues like colds, urinary infections, stomach upsets, aches and pains.

For further information please visit NHS Kernow CCG at https://www.kernowccg.nhs.uk/get-info/choose-well/

Thanks in advance for your assistance in this matter.