Hospitals under pressure after IT outage

The NHS told people to avoid using the emergency services unless it is a "life or limb-threatening emergency"

Cornwall's hospitals remain under pressure after an IT outage on Tuesday, the NHS has said.

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly said the majority of the issues were now resolved and all services had resumed.

However, a spokesperson said people should avoid using the emergency department or calling ambulances "unless it's a life or limb-threatening" situation.

Leanne Clark, who lives on the Roseland peninsula, was with her mother in Falmouth's eye clinic when the IT issues began and she said the staff were "fantastic".

'Couldn't have done more'

Ms Clark's mother had had a cataract test and was waiting to see the consultant for the results when the IT systems failed.

"The staff were fantastic," she said.

"They kept checking on us and they kept sharing information about the issues all the time so we felt we knew what was going on.

"I feel really strongly the NHS is criticised so much but in fact the staff couldn't have done more yesterday."

'Under pressure'

The NHS thanked patients for their "understanding, support and patience" after the "significant IT issue".

"Some areas are still under pressure as a result of the outage, this includes in our emergency department and ambulance handovers," it said.

"Unless it’s a life or limb-threatening emergency, we are asking people to use other services so we can help those who need it the most."

Anyone needing care was asked to consider using their GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 and minor injuries units.

The NHS said it would contact people who had their appointments postponed on Tuesday to book a new date.