ALL NON-URGENT elective operations will be suspended in Herefordshire to help the NHS tackle the coronavirus outbreak.

Wye Valley NHS Trust will also be making changes to outpatient appointments, many of which will now take place as telephone appointments or video calls in a bid to protect patients and staff from the virus.

The trust is taking these measures in anticipation of the intense pressures the NHS is likely to come under as the coronavirus spreads, in order to ensure that as many beds available as possible are available to care for patients with severe respiratory problems when the number of infections peaks.

"In line with well-established plans for situations like this, every hospital in England has now been asked to suspend all non-urgent elective operations for at least three months from April. WVT has taken the decision to start this work with immediate effect, in line with national guidance, so we can train our staff and adapt certain areas," a trust spokesperson said.

"Urgent and emergency cases and cancer treatments will be carrying on as normal, but we know many people waiting for treatment will be disappointed or worried, and we are contacting everyone affected.

"For patients attending appointments at the hospital, we recommend that you attend on your own. If this is not possible, the Trust is restricting patients to bring only one friend or relative. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed, unless the patient is a child. There may be situations in the clinic setting where your relative or friend is asked to wait outside the clinic room whilst your consultation takes place."

The trust is contacting patients directly regarding these changes, so there is no need to call the hospital. They will contact you if your appointment or operation has been changed or suspended.