‘Full’ hospital cancels surgery

A TOP teaching hospital yesterday diverted ambulances and cancelled surgery due to ‘exceptional’ levels of demand.

Addenbrooke’s in Cambridge has been placed on the highest alert, and patients and family members have been told to stay away from the A&E unit because ‘seating is at a premium’.

A memo circulated among staff yesterday said there were no free beds across the hospital, but 33 patients needed one. It read: ‘ We have taken the extraordinary action to cancel all planned surgery including cancer and urgent cases, to free up resources.’

The hospital is at ‘Opel level four’ – formerly known as black alert – the highest level of pressure. It is unusual for a hospital to declare an Opel level four at this time of year, although more than 20 did so in January.