A new system being launched on Monday means family doctors will be able to arrange specialist appointments with just one phone call.

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Health Community says until now GPs have had to make up to eight calls to secure the treatment required by their patients.

It says this has meant that many patients have had to be admitted to hospital when they could have been treated at home, or in outpatients departments.

A single phone call will now connect family doctors to a team of operators who will have had specialist training.

It is hoped the service, along with a new electronic booking system, will ensure patients receive the treatment they need quickly and efficiently.