OPERATIONS at the Royal Bolton Hospital are being temporarily cancelled as it faces extra pressures due to the coronavirus.

In a statement the Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, which oversees the hospital, said some routine surgeries will be postponed from today.

Patients due to undergo such operations will be informed in advance if they are to be rescheduled, the hospital added.

Moreover, some hospital appointments will now take place over the telephone.

The Royal Bolton Hospital said: "We have started postponing some routine operations. All patients will be informed in advance of their scheduled surgery.

"Many appointments and clinics are still taking place. Please attend at the agreed date and time, unless you have been told otherwise.

"Some departments are conducting appointments over the telephone where possible.

"Thank you for your patience and understanding during these exceptional times.

"Please visit www.boltonft.nhs.uk for the most up to date information – this is updated frequently."