Operations cancelled in major alert at hospital

Non emergency operations face being cancelled while patients may be moved out of hospital earlier than planned as staff battle to free up beds.

Bosses are blaming increased numbers of patients being admitted due to "intense" winter pressures that have seen more than 200 people a day being admitted to Southampton General Hospital and Princess Anne.

Southampton University Hospitals Trust, which runs both hospitals, says it has experienced seven days of sustained pressure, with increased numbers of patients needing to be admitted.

A spokesman said this afternoon: "Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust has today taken steps to deal with a significant increase in the number of people requiring urgent medical attention.

"As part of its response to the intense winter pressures, the Trust is warning patients that any non-emergency operations scheduled for the rest of this week may be cancelled, while planned admissions will be kept to a minimum.

"Some patients may also be sent home earlier than usual as staff battle to free up more beds to cope with the increased number of emergency referrals."

A plea has also been made by hospital bosses, urging members of the public to help by considering alternatives instead of visiting the Emergency Department "wherever possible".

The spokesman added: "Patients can help keep pressure to a minimum by seeking help from their GP, an NHS walk-in centre, NHS Direct or a pharmacy, rather than ringing for an ambulance or turning up at the ED."

Prof William Roche, 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 to be admitted for surgery this week are advised to ring the number provided in their patient letter for further advice.