Cornwall's ambulance service declares major incident amid extreme pressure
The South Western Ambulance Service is experiencing unprecedented and sustained demand
Cornwall's ambulance service has declared a major incident as it faces unprecedented and sustained demand.
Bosses at the South Western Ambulance Service Trust say teams are working incredibly hard day and night.
people are being urged to only call 999 if someone is seriously injured or unwell, or if a life is at risk.
It comes after the Trust declared a critical incident back in May due to pressures as coronavirus restrictions eased.
Will Warrender, Chief Executive of South Western Ambulance Service, said: “We are currently experiencing unprecedented sustained demand on our 999 service.
“If you need an emergency ambulance because you are seriously injured or unwell, and you believe your life is at risk, call us on 999.
“So we can continue to help those with the most serious conditions, we need everyone’s help – please do not call us for non-life threatening emergencies. Alternative services are available, including 111 who can be contacted by phone or online for medical assistance and advice.
“Our teams are working incredibly hard day and night to be there for those who need us, but we need everyone’s help to enable us to reach patients who need our help as quickly as possible.”
Meanwhile the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust has been running on so-called 'black alert' on-and-off since May.
Bosses at Treliske have confirmed they were operating on the highest alert level, also known as Opel 4, for the entire summer holiday period.
On the August bank holiday Monday, almost 700 people turned up at hospital in Cornwall alone. That includes the emergency department at Treliske, urgent treatment centre or minor injury units.
Last month, Derriford Hospital in Plymouth also declared a critical incident, due to a shortage of beds and a rise in attendances to A&E.