Hospital casualty services resume

The trust which runs the hospital is facing an £8.1m shortfall

Casualty services at a hospital in Cornwall are expected to return to normal on Monday.

It follows a shortage of doctors at the West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance at the weekend.

Some ambulances were turned away and diverted to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro about 30 miles away.

West Cornwall Hospital was unable to provide cover for a doctor who was off sick. A spokeswoman said only a small number of patients were affected.

The Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, which is facing an £8.1m budget shortfall, announced last month it was to cut 300 jobs and could close some wards and operating theatres.

The trust runs the Royal Cornwall in Truro, and acute hospitals in Hayle and Penzance.