Hospital 'may' cancel operations

People are advised to check surgery appointments with the hospital

A hospital trust in Hampshire has warned it may cancel all non-emergency operations this week due to "unprecedented" winter pressures.

Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust said it had seen a significant increase in the number of people requiring urgent medical attention.

It also warned that planned admissions would be reduced and some patients may be sent home early.

The trust runs Southampton General Hospital and Princess Anne Hospital.

A spokeswoman said it had experienced seven days of sustained pressure and staff were battling to free up more beds to cope with increased emergency referrals.

The trust is working... to ensure that the most serious emergencies continue to be prioritised Professor William Roche Medical director

"Many patients are being admitted with complex conditions, requiring lengthy treatment by specialist teams before they are well enough to go home," she said.

The trust admits about 180 patients a day - but for the past week this figure has been more than 200 a day.

Trust bosses have appealed for people to help by considering using alternatives, such as NHS walk-in centres, instead of visiting A&E.

Professor William Roche, a medical director, said: "Winter is always a challenging time for the health service and we are well prepared for these peaks in demand.

"The trust is working closely with primary care trusts, GPs and the ambulance service to ensure that the most serious emergencies continue to be prioritised and receive the urgent care they need."

People due for surgery this week have been advised to call the number provided in their patient letter to find out whether their operation has been postponed.

Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, which wants to become a foundation trust, is one of the largest acute trusts in England.