A HOSPITAL has had to cancel some operations today due to a lack of available beds caused by a high number of acutely ill patients visiting the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.

Southend Hospital has had to cancel elective surgery, which refers to operations which are scheduled in advance because they are not a medical emergency.

However, emergency or cancer-related surgery will still go ahead as planned.

The hospital’s chief executive Sue Hardy said: "The hospital is currently extremely busy dealing both with the high number of patients coming through our doors and the number of very ill patients who need to be admitted to hospital.

"The emergency department is very busy and we have to warn patients that those attending with 'non-urgent' conditions will wait much longer than usual as patients are prioritised according to how unwell they are.

Patients will be notified in person today and should continue to attend their appointments as arranged unless contacted by the hospital.

To assist the hospital in dealing with the situation, the public is being asked to only visit the accident and emergency department if they are seriously unwell or critically injured.

However, patients experiencing choking, chest pain, blacking out, blood loss and fractures, which are all considered emergencies and those with symptoms are being advised to visit their local A&E department.

Anyone who is unsure of the best course of action is advised to always ring NHS 111 for health advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or to speak with their GP or pharmacist.