30/01/2026
Need medical help this weekend in Cornwall? You don't need to go to the emergency department...
If it’s urgent but not life-threatening, there are lots of NHS services available
👉 📞 NHS 111 – call or go to 111.nhs.uk for advice 24/7. They’ll tell you the best service for your symptoms and can arrange appointments.
🩹 Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) like the one at West Cornwall Hospital, Penzance for things such as cuts, sprains, minor burns or simple fractures. Open late.
🦴 Minor Injury Units (MIUs) across Cornwall for sprains, minor breaks, wound care, minor head injuries and more.
🔍 Check out live urgent care and MIU waiting times, it’s worth looking before you travel so you can pick the quickest service:
👉 https://royalcornwallhospitals.nhs.uk/waitin.../urgent-care/
💊 Community pharmacies, great for minor illnesses, pain relief, rashes, infections and general advice and often quicker than a trip to hospital. Think Pharmacy First!
📅 Out-of-hours GP services, if your surgery is closed, NHS 111 can book you into an urgent GP appointment.
🚨 Emergency Department (A&E) is only for serious, life-threatening situations (e.g., chest pain, signs of stroke, severe bleeding, breathing problems) call 999 if this is the case.
Using the right service helps you get seen sooner and keeps ED available for those who really need it ❤️
