Severe weather update for hospital patients and visitors

Some operations scheduled to take place at Rochdale Infirmary early next week have been postponed.

All routine (non-urgent) elective inpatient surgery scheduled for Monday 11 January and Tuesday 12 January 2010 have been put back.

Hospital staff will be contacting patients individually to advise that their surgery has been postponed.

Day surgery and outpatient clinics continue as normal.

All patients and visitors should still take heed of police advice about travel and check traffic and weather conditions before setting out.

The changes to elective inpatient surgery have been necessary to allow the Pennine Acute Hospitals Trust to continue to focus its attention on providing emergency services at the Infirmary. There has been an increase in the number of patients with fractures following slips, falls and accidents due to the severe weather conditions.

A decision on routine elective inpatient surgery for Wednesday 13 January and beyond will be made on Monday and a further update will be given.

John Saxby, Chief Executive of The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, 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.

The public are reminded that 999 services are for life-threatening illnesses and emergencies. For minor illnesses, ailments and injuries or, if you are feeling under the weather, use your local pharmacy or contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or online at www.nhs.uk