THREE hospitals in Cornwall have suspended all urgent and planned surgeries after a colossal surge in Covid patients.

       The Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust made the "difficult decision" as they buckle under the pressure of the pandemic.

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       Three hospitals in Cornwall have been forced to stop key surgeries as they struggle with Covid patients Credit: Alamy

       Medical Director Allister Grant said clinical teams will instead prioritise caring for people needing emergency treatment.

       He said there "has been no let up in demand" as Covid admissions continue to rise - with more than 40 positive patients currently in hospital.

       Another 50 more are contacts and must isolate.

       The struggling Trust's announcement applies to hospitals at Treliske in Truro as well as in Hayle and Penzance.

       Dr Grant explained the continuing pressure on care services in Cornwall has forced them to make the decision.

       "We will go ahead with critical surgery for people with cancer, life and limb saving need, cardiology, and sightsaving procedures," he said.

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       The latest Covid figures for Cornwall show 381 cases per 100,000 people, which is substantially less than the figures published in August,

       It is feared the UK's staycation boom and the coasts popularity has caused a severe spike in cases.

       "We will also continue our work with the (private) Duchy Hospital in Truro to carry out as many operations as we can," Dr Grant continued.

       "Our pressures are compounded by the unprecedented demand on the ambulance service, the severity of illness of those needing emergency admission, and more than 100 people in our three hospitals who are ready to leave but are in need of care and support packages.

       "We are working hard with our colleagues across the NHS, in social care and voluntary services to ease the pressures we are under."

       The Medical Director urged holidaymakers and locals to use 111 and GP services as the first port of call before heading to hospitals.

       The South western Ambulance Service is also at breaking point and is answering a 999 call every 25 seconds over the last few days.