NHS Cornwall's critical incident stood down

A critical incident was declared at the Royal Cornwall Hospital on 21 January

Health bosses have said the critical incident in Cornwall has ended but services remained strained.

People were asked not to attend the Royal Cornwall Hospital's emergency department where possible after the critical incident was declared on 21 January.

NHS Cornwall staff had worked hard to "avoid admissions" by directing patients elsewhere.

A critical incident is the highest alert level used by the NHS.

It allows bosses to take "immediate steps to create capacity".

Patients continued to be supported through "virtual wards" and care provided in community assessment and treatment units, NHS Cornwall said.

GP surgeries provided an extra 2,500 appointments between 23-28 January, it said.

Susan Bracefield, chief nursing officer for the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, thanked people for their patience.

"The system critical incident has now been stood down, but health services remain busy and I would ask people to still choose where is best from the network of community services available," she said.

"This includes local pharmacies, our 10 minor injury units, the urgent treatment centre at West Cornwall Hospital, GP surgeries or NHS111 online.

"I also want to thank our patients and their families for their patience and understanding with our frontline staff when facing longer waits than we would want."