Non-urgent surgeries postponed due to high numbers of Covid patients

A number of planned, non-urgent operations will be postponed

Non-urgent surgeries at Pennine Acute Trust hospitals are being postponed due to the high number of patients with Covid-19.

Pennine, part of the Northern Care Alliance, says its maternity, urgent treatments and cancer operations will continue as normal, and diagnostic services and the majority of out-patient services will remain unaffected.

This includes Rochdale Infirmary, Fairfield General Hospital and Royal Oldham Hospital.

Patients affected by the decision will be contacted directly via telephone and/or letter and supported at this difficult time. Please continue to attend your appointment unless you are contacted and told otherwise.  

This decision will be reviewed on a regular basis and procedures will resume as soon as possible. If patients have any questions or queries about their appointment, they can contact the hospital directly.

A spokesperson for Pennine added: “Staff across our hospitals have been working incredibly hard to manage the increased number of patients with Covid in our hospitals alongside providing routine care.

“While our staff are continuing to do this as far as possible we, like a number of NHS Trusts in Greater Manchester, have had to take the difficult decision to postpone a number of planned, non-urgent operations at our hospitals.

“It’s important that our patients and anyone with health concerns continues to come forward for help and treatment via their GP or if urgent to our Emergency Departments.

“Thank you for your continued support, patience and understanding at what continues to be a very difficult time for everyone.”

For all other medical issues, you should use 111.nhs.uk or call NHS 111 where you will be directed to the most appropriate place for your care. 

In an emergency and for life threatening conditions, continue to call 999.