PATIENTS waiting for non-urgent surgery have had their operations cancelled because the Royal Bolton Hospital has been inundated with emergencies.

About 90 operations have been called off this week alone as bosses at the hospital open more beds, including those in intensive care, to deal with the huge influx of seriously ill or injured people.

It is the first time hospitals across Greater Manchester have postponed non-urgent operations. Accident and emergency is treating about 100 extra patients a day.

And Royal Bolton chiefs say flu is a major issue, with high numbers of adults and children needing care.

The hospital has now brought in ways of dealing with the high numbers of patients, such as opening extra beds.

Andrew Cogan, acting director of operations at Royal Bolton, said: “Bolton is currently at the height of its escalation plan.

“In particular, we are caring for high numbers of patients, both adults and children, with flu.

“Our staff have been fantastic and have worked flexibly to ensure we can cope well.

“I am very sorry about 90 people have had their operations postponed but we are doing our best to see that people with lifethreatening conditions and cancer patients do not have a delay.

“We will aim to reschedule any postponed surgery as soon as possible and thank people for their patience in the current situation.”

Workers from the hospital’s pool of bank staff have been drafted in cope with the extra work.

Royal Bolton staff have also been putting in extra hours.

But patients’ groups say they will be keeping “an eye” on cancelled operations.

Jack Firth, chairman of Bolton Local Involvement Network, NHS ADVICE said: “It is not good for those with operations cancelled, but I suspect it is due to the amount of people with flu so it is just one of those things.

“I just hope they reschedule them as soon as possible.

“I just hope the hospital isn’t using it as an excuse. We will be keeping an eye on this.”

All non-life threatening operations this week, including tonsillectomy, hysterectomy, hernia repairs, have been postponed.

The hospital has opened 65 more beds than it uses in the summer months and an extra two intensive care beds, bringing the total to 10.

It also has 10 high dependency beds.

Other hospitals in Greater Manchester have taken similar steps.

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust has cancelled about 40 operations.

A Royal Bolton Hospital spokesman said: “As far as we are aware, this is the first time that hospitals across Greater Manchester have all postponed non-urgent inpatient surgery.

“We understand it is upsetting for people to have these appointments cancelled but under these circumstances, clinical decisions must be taken for the safety of the most seriously ill patients.”

A spokesman for NHS North West added: “Due to a rising demand for critical-care beds as a result of winter pressures, the NHS has taken the decision to postpone some planned procedures. This is standard procedure and is part of plans we have in place to respond to fluctuations in demand.

“This is to ensure that there is sufficient critical care capacity for emergency cases.

“We apologies for any inconvenience, but hope people will understand and support our NHS teams as they deal with record numbers of patients."