A hospital has seen its number of cancelled operations in the first quarter increase by almost 30 in 2018/19.

Figures from NHS England found that 95 operations were cancelled by the Basildon and Thurrock Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust between April and June this year.

Last year 67 procedures had to be cancelled in the same time period.

On the other hand, the Southend Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has experienced a major decrease in the amount of cancelled operations this year, with 73 procedures being called off in the first quarter of 2018/19, compared to 136 in 2017/18.

Research carried out by the Royal College of Anaesthetists and University College London also found that nationally, one in seven surgeries were cancelled on the day of the procedure between April and June.

Dr Liam Brennan, President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists said:

“Cancelling an operation for any reason can be extremely distressing for a patient.

"As a speciality, working with two thirds of all hospital inpatients, we are all too aware of the difficulties that can lead to surgery being deferred.

“We fully support working with all relevant specialties to better understand the reasons for this widespread problem with the aim of developing an action plan to reduce clinical and non-clinical cancellations.

“This will ultimately improve patient experience, clinical outcomes and go some way to reducing pressures on the NHS.”

The Echo has contacted the Basildon and Thurrock Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Southend Hospital NHS Foundation Trust for comment following the release of the figures.