A system critical incident declared for health and care services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has been successfully stood down, following extraordinary efforts by staff and the unwavering support of local residents.
This decision marks the end of a challenging period of sustained pressure that had been affecting the region's health and care infrastructure.
The incident was declared on Friday, 3 January, after a significant surge in flu cases placed an unprecedented strain on both healthcare staff and patients. The local health and care services have been working tirelessly to mitigate the impact and manage the increased demand.
Dr Chris Reid, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB’s Chief Medical Officer, said:
“I want to thank our residents for their support in reducing pressures on the emergency department by using the best service for their needs.
“The system critical incident has now been stood down, but health services remain busy and I would urge people to continue to consider the range of options available to support them if needed. This includes our network of minor injury units, the urgent treatment centre at West Cornwall Hospital, their local pharmacist, GP practices 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 and for their support in helping people to be discharged.
“Our health and care staff have continued to work tirelessly throughout the system critical incident. I want to thank them for all they have done over the last few days and throughout the busy winter period.”
Across the entire health and care system, staff have been executing strategies to prevent hospital admissions and expedite patient discharges. These efforts have involved leveraging innovative solutions such as personal health budgets, virtual wards, community assessment and treatment units, same day emergency care units, and Right Care and Falls cars. This multifaceted approach has been instrumental in alleviating pressure on hospital services.
The partnership and collaboration among different health and care services have been pivotal. The community's support has also played a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced during this period.
To further support the region, over 2,000 additional GP appointments are being made available to patients requiring urgent care across GP practices and primary care hubs. This increase in appointments will be spread over a two-week period, ensuring that those in need have access to timely medical attention.
The standing down of the system critical incident is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the health and care professionals in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The collective efforts have demonstrated the strength of system partnership working and the resilience of the local community.
This achievement highlights the importance of continuous support and innovation in managing healthcare challenges and ensuring the well-being of residents.
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