SOME planned operations are being postponed because of a "sharp rise" in Covid-19 patients, the chief executive of Basingstoke hospital has announced.

In a statement sent to the Gazette, Alex Whitfield said its hospitals – Basingstoke, Andover and Winchester – are "under increasing pressure due to a sharp rise in the number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 who need hospital care". 

She added: “As such, we have had to make the difficult decision to start postponing some planned operations.

“This is being done in a phased way with as many operations as we can, continuing to go ahead. However, over the coming days it is likely that more of our patients will be affected. Those who are impacted by this decision will be contacted individually.

“If we don’t contact you then please come in for your appointment as planned.”

The latest figures from Public Health England show that there were 122 patients in HHFT hospitals as of December 30, with three on ventilation.

However, this figure could have increased since then, with 175 people having tested positive for the virus today (January 1) in Basingstoke alone, and 82 yesterday on December 31.

At the peak of the pandemic in April, the highest number of patients in HHFT hospitals with Covid was 148.

The figures have gradually been creeping up again since early October.

Ms Whitfield urged the public to continue to follow the guidelines, adding: “Remember that the NHS is still here for you, and if you need medical help then contact NHS 111 who can help direct you to the most appropriate place for care.”

Asked whether the current situation means the trust is on 'black alert' - declared when a hospital is unable to deliver comprehensive care - a spokesperson from the trust said: “HHFT is aware of the rising levels of Covid-19 patients in and around the Hampshire area, and we are doing everything we can to keep our patients and staff safe during this time.

“HHFT has its own internal Covid status system to manage our patients and staffing levels depending on the severity and pressure on our service, which is continuously being reviewed.

"At present, services will continue as normal, unless patients are directly told otherwise, so please attend appointments as scheduled and keep using our services where necessary.

“The people of Hampshire are reminded to keep following Government guidelines around social distancing, practicing good and consistent hand hygiene, wearing masks and isolating if they are showing any Covid-19 symptoms.”