Beds crisis at hospital

The hospital has gone on a red alert

Norfolk's biggest hospital remains on a red alert because of a beds crisis but is off emergency measures.

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital went on a red alert on Tuesday, asking GPs not to refer any non-emergency patients.

Community hospitals in the area were asked take non-emergency cases.

Hospitals go on red alert when there are fewer than five beds available.

Extra pressure

Emergency measures were lifted on Wednesday afternoon but on Thursday a spokesman said the hospital remained on red alert.

The 989-bed hospital has seen a rise in people being treated in the last year, with an autumn peak putting extra pressure on beds.

A small number of scheduled operations had to be cancelled.