Health services in Cornwall are under “significant pressure”, prompting bosses to declare a critical incident.

The Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro is experiencing long ambulance queues outside and high patient numbers in its emergency department, with many people medically fit for discharge but awaiting the right care, the NHS said.

In England, the number of people in hospital is rising at a “very concerning rate” and is more than four times the level it was a month ago, according to NHS data.

Please only come to the emergency department if you have a life or limb-threatening emergency

Declaring a critical incident enables the NHS to create capacity, expedite patient discharges, relieve emergency department pressure and free up ambulances and their crews for urgent care.

Kate Shields, chief executive of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly integrated care board said: “We urgently need the public’s support to make sure we can see those who are sickest and have the greatest need.

“Please only come to the emergency department if you have a life or limb-threatening emergency.”

She urged the public to help by using alternative services, including minor injury units, urgent treatment centres, pharmacies and NHS 111.

The NHS advises anyone unwell with flu, norovirus, or Covid-19 to stay at home, rest and hydrate.