The Royal United Hospital in Bath has announced that some elective operations have been postponed following an increase in COVID-19 pressures at their Combe Park site.
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The hospital trust has confirmed that all cancer, high priority, emergency and trauma services will continue.
Postponing the elective surgery will allow the RUH to care for the increasing number of patients arriving with COVID-19, as well as patients with other serious conditions requiring intensive care unit support.
A spokesperson for the hospital said: “Postponing such treatments is a decision we never take lightly. We know that patients will be disappointed and we will contact you with a new appointment as soon as we are able to return to normal hospital business.
“We will contact you if your procedure has been postponed. If you do not hear from us please attend as planned.
“Like our neighbouring hospital trusts in Swindon and Salisbury, who have also taken similar steps, we expect pressure on the hospital to continue rising in the coming weeks and we are making plans to manage accordingly.
“At the same time we are maintaining our important daily activity of outpatient appointments, either virtually or face to face.”
As of yesterday, Thursday 14th January, there were 116 patients receiving care for COVID-19 at the RUH, compared with 62 at the end of last week. This number is significantly higher than at the peak in the early summer last year.
With COVID-19 numbers rising in the community, staff at the hospital are urging residents to remain extra vigilant and continue to do all they can to protect each other from the new infectious strain.
If you are unwell and you aren’t sure what to do, contact NHS 111 who can direct you to the most appropriate healthcare provider for your needs.
