HOSPITALS across the county have had to cancel operations after an 'exceptionally busy' weekend. 

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has postponed planned non-urgent operations for today and tomorrow.

Urgent surgeries and outpatient and diagnostic appointments are going ahead as usual.

The trust, which runs the John Radcliffe, Churchill and Horton Hospitals as well as the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, said it was contacting all patients affected by the cancellations.

Earlier this winter hundreds of operations were cancelled due to mounting pressures.

Paul Brennan, Director of Clinical Services, said: “Following an exceptionally busy weekend, the trust has taken this action in order to ensure that we are able to admit patients from our Emergency Departments (EDs) at the John Radcliffe and the Horton General hospitals in a timely manner.

“While these actions are necessary to support our Emergency Departments and Emergency Assessment Units at the John Radcliffe and Horton General hospitals, it must be recognised that these are short-term measures.

“The health and social care system in Oxfordshire remains focused on developing and growing home based services as we know that many patients in our acute and community hospitals could be more appropriately cared for at home.

“As always, people should only attend a hospital Emergency Department in an emergency. If in doubt use the ‘Health and Care Oxfordshire’ app from Oxfordshire CCG to locate your nearest health provider.

“I would like to thank all staff who are working so hard to provide care for our patients under difficult circumstances at the moment.”