Helston eye clinic closes ‘leaving patients in limbo’

RCHT said it had written to patients “to let them know we are unable to continue clinics” at Meneage Street surgery.

In a statement it said it had capacity at other sites to provide the treatment and would advise patients on transport support that may be available.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience the change of location will cause and are asking patients to give us their feedback to help us as we review options for future service provision,” the trust added.

The treatment is currently on offer at West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance, the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro and at a clinic in St Austell.

George said this was “insufficient” and the Helston closure was an “enormous disappointment”.

“I was given the impression in July the service would be retained,” he said.

“I thought the trust had sensibly back-pedalled because it really will leave a very large number of patients without the certainty and access to a vital service.

“I am told the service at West Cornwall Hospital is already oversubscribed and that would mean very long trips for people.”