RESIDENTS of Bude, Camelford, Launceston and surrounding areas could be given the opportunity to use the Royal Cornwall Hospital, at Treliske, Truro, as well as Derriford, Plymouth, depending on their needs, as part of a new business plan.

The news comes as Truro hospital's trust is currently planning the expansion into East Cornwall. A new business plan is being formed so that both hospitals, Treliske and Derriford, will share patients depending on needs.

Highly specialist care, such as neurosurgery, heart and transplant surgery, will continue to be provided from Derriford. Other specialist and complex care will continue to be provided from the Royal Cornwall Hospital with a long term strategy to take as many services out to community locations closer to patients' homes.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.