James Paget Hospital 'black alert' status
- Published
A Norfolk hospital has declared a "black alert", the most severe status level, as England struggles to cope with a flu outbreak.
The James Paget Hospital in Gorleston near Great Yarmouth announced the status on Thursday.
A spokeswoman said: "The hospital continues on black alert, with the situation being reviewed regularly during the day.
"Activity remains very high, with an increase in attendances."
Routine surgery has been affected with individual patients being contacted when necessary and advised that operations will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
"In order to alleviate some of the pressures on our services, we would urge anyone who needs medical treatment for minor injuries and illness not to automatically go to A&E but consider all the other options," the hospital said.
The Norfolk and Norwich and the Queen Elizabeth Hospitals are both still on red alert - one level lower than the James Paget Hospital.
A spokesman for for both said it was business as usual, with no procedures being cancelled.