Hull Royal Infirmary: Operations cancelled in bed shortage

Hull Royal Infirmary has seen a recent increase in the number of patients through its doors

Routine operations at a Hull hospital have been cancelled due to a lack of beds.

Some procedures have had to be postponed at Hull Royal Infirmary (HRI) after an increase in the number of patients in early January.

Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust also urged people to stay away from HRI's accident and emergency unit unless they are "seriously ill".

The move also affects a number of outpatient clinics at the hospital.

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The trust said some operations and clinics were being halted to "free up beds and consultant time to ensure those with more urgent care needs can be accommodated".

Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust also runs Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham, near Hull.

Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust runs Hull Royal Infirmary (pictured) and Castle Hill Hospital

Kevin Phillips, chief medical officer at the trust, said: "Over the last week we have seen a volume of patients been admitted in to our hospitals which is over and above what we would predict for this time of year.

"We are urging people to exercise common sense and to look at alternative treatment options unless they are seriously ill or a person's condition is considered life-threatening."

The trust said patients affected by the measure would be notified.