NON-URGENT operations have been postponed at all Worcestershire hospitals due to a 'steep rise in community infection rates' placing 'even more pressure on the NHS.

Worcestershire Royal hospital have temporarily postponed all non-urgent planned operations in order to prioritise those needing urgent care said Matthew Hopkins, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

He said:“Over the past few weeks, the number of in-patients within our hospitals who have tested positive for Covid-19 has increased in-line with the steep rise in community infection rates, placing even more pressure on local NHS resources.

"Our hospital continues to prioritise people needing urgent care including those with cancer, while staff across all our hospitals are doing a magnificent job in working to put patients first.

"Unfortunately, non-urgent planned procedures have had to be temporarily postponed in order to help us manage the significant increase in the number of patients needing emergency or urgent treatment.

“We apologise to those affected and their families and have been in touch with them directly, but would like to reassure them that appointments will be rebooked as soon as possible.

"If you do have an appointment at our hospital and you haven’t been contacted, please attend as normal.

"In the meantime, it’s vital that everyone follows national guidance on hand hygiene, wearing face coverings and maintain social distancing to help reduce the spread of the virus.

“We would also urge people to contact 111 online or via the freephone number for urgent care advice before attending our A&E department, and only use 999 in a life-threatening emergency.”

WOrcester now has the highest coronavirus infection rate in the county as cases continue to soar.

The infection rate in Worcester was 601.6 cases per 100,000 people in the week up to January 3 - higher than anywhere else in the county.