Slips and falls force hospital re-think

SEVERE weather conditions have forced the Royal Oldham Hospital to postpone non-urgent surgery scheduled for today and tomorrow.

Increased numbers of patients have been attending hospital with fractures following slips and falls due to the snow and ice. The move relates to patients who will need an overnight stay. A decision on routine surgery for Wednesday and beyond will be taken later today.

Day surgery and outpatient clinics continue as normal.

All patients and visitors are advised to check traffic and weather conditions before setting off.

John Saxby, Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive, said: “I would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding over the past difficult few days.

“Our staff have been coping magnificently and it is to their credit that our services have continued to function without too many difficulties. I would like to thank them as well for their continued commitment and professionalism.”

Patients who wish to contact the trust to rearrange their appointment can call the contact centre on 0161-778 2233 (and use the call-back facility if busy) or e-mail booking@pat.nhs.uk