Wirral NHS Hospitals have begun to postpone planned and non-urgent operations, as the borough gears up to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

A statement submitted to the Globe today also advises that outpatient appointments will be affected.

Anthony Middleton, Chief Operating Officer at Wirral University Teaching Hospital said: “In line with national guidance from NHS England/Improvement and like other Trusts, Wirral University Teaching Hospital has activated its emergency preparedness and resilience procedure in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

“To ensure we are able to care for our patients in most urgent need, we have started to postpone some planned, non-urgent elective operations. This does not affect urgent and emergency operations and our maternity services are continuing to run as normal.

“We realise it can be distressing for patients who are awaiting procedures and as soon as normal services resume, patients will be contacted with regards to rescheduling their operations.

“As part of our resilience process there are also limiting attendance at outpatients appointments for patients aged 70 and over.

"This is in accordance with government advice for people aged 70 years or over to self-isolate and we are taking these measures to provide their care in the safest possible way.

"Please be reassured that any patient aged 70 years or over will be contacted and specific arrangements will be made for them by their clinician.

“Patients who have concerns about coming into the hospital for their appointment are asked to please contact the clinic in good time to advised that they will not be attending.

“The wider situation around COVID-19 is evolving and adapt to meet the needs of our patients as new guidance is issued."