Covid-19: Non-urgent operations stopped at Worcestershire hospitals
Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.
ALL non-urgent operations have been stopped at Worcestershire hospitals due to a sharp rise of Covid-19 cases among patients and the community.
The temporary measure was introduced by Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust to take pressure off local NHS resources.
Planned non-urgent procedures have been postponed to focus on tackling an increase of urgent treatments.
The trust, which manages the Alexandra, Kidderminster and Worcestershire Royal hospitals, has apologised to anyone who has been affected by the cancellations.
Chief executive of the trust, Matthew Hopkins, said: "Our hospitals continue to prioritise people needing urgent care, including those with cancer, and staff across all our hospitals are doing a magnificent job in working to put patients first.
"Unfortunately, non-urgent planned procedures have had to be temporarily postponed in order to help us manage the significant increase in the number of patients needing emergency or urgent treatment.
"We would like to reassure people that appointments will be rebooked as soon as possible."
If people have an appointment at one of the hospitals and they haven't been contacted, they are advised to attend as normal.
Residents are also urged to contact 111 online for urgent care advice before attending A&E departments, and only use 999 in a life-threatening emergency.
Mr Hopkins added: "In the meantime it's vital that everyone follows national guidance on hand hygiene, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing to help reduce the spread of the virus."
Apppointments
Non-urgent operations
Worcestershire Acute Hospital NHS Trust
Covid-19: Non-urgent ...