Operations put back at hospitals

A number of operations at Lincolnshire hospitals have been postponed because of an increase in emergency admissions.

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust said 60 routine operations had had to be rescheduled over the past nine days.

A spokeswoman said there had been a big increase in the number of admissions to hospital although no single illness could be blamed.

A change in the weather had led to an increase in the number of patients with flu and chest infections.

Chief nurse Sylvia Knight said patient safety was a priority.

"We are taking steps to ensure that emergency patients are able to receive the best possible care.

"We would like to reassure patients that if they need to be admitted to hospital, they will be seen."

The trust said there were a number of steps that patients could take to get treatment before going to accident and emergency, including visiting a doctor or pharmacist or ringing NHS Direct.