’DON’T be afraid to seek the medical help you need’ is the message from health care professionals in Cornwall as it was revealed that attendance at the county’s main A+E department is down by 50 percent.

The number of children being brought in for serious conditions at Treliske is down even more – by 80 percent – says NHS Kernow.

Now, hospital consultants and GPs are concerned that  people’s coronavirus fears are posing a long term risk to their health. 

People are also worried about ’being a burden’ on doctors and nurses during a difficult time, says the  NHS.

’It’s a really big worry for us,’ said Emergency Department Consultant, Dr Toby Slade.

’Whilst we know that some of the reduction will be down to people doing less sport and other activities during lockdown, it won’t account for all of the people we’d normally expect to see. 

’We want everyone to know we are still here for patients without coronavirus who need urgent and emergency services for stroke, heart attack, and other life-threatening conditions.

Toby added: ’We have put in place measures allowing?people to access care safely – such as splitting our Emergency Department into Covid and non-Covid areas – so people should not be afraid to come to see us if they have an urgent problem.

Meanwhile at Derriford, minor injuries has moved across the road to the Nuffield Hospital, while patients with more serious and life-threatening conditions and injuries are still being seen 24/7 at the usual emergency department.

Consultant Paediatrician Dr Sian Harris is worried about the drop in children attending hospital.

’If a child is seriously ill it is vital not to delay in seeking medical help,’ she said.

’We are prepared and ready whether a child has a Covid infection or any other urgent medical problem.  If they can, we recommend parents use the Handi App – available to download free on App stores - to help them decide when then need to get help, or to go online or call 111 for advice.  If they are worried about very serious symptoms, always call 999.’

GPs are also reassuring people that surgeries have been modified in order to be safe, and that the public should not hesitate in seeking an appointment if they are worried about their health.

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Seeking medical help is one of the four reasons that people can safely leave home, in line with government guidance.