OPERATIONS at two Oxfordshire hospitals have had to be postponed due to increasing pressures on A&E.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) was forced to postpone a number of planned, non-urgent operations on Monday due to an unprecedented demand at both the John Radcliffe Hospital’s and the Horton General Hospital’s emergency departments.

Director of clinical services at OUH Paul Brennan said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our hardworking staff who have helped ensure that only a small number of elective, planned operations have had to be postponed despite the exceptional demand for services.

“We will ensure that any patient whose surgery has had to be cancelled on the day is contacted and has their operation rearranged as soon as possible.

“Please only come to the emergency department at the John Radcliffe or Horton General Hospital if you require emergency treatment.

“Please use the alternatives which are available such as your GP, 111 service or your local pharmacy if appropriate.”

On Sunday alone the trust treated 330 patients at the John Radcliffe’s A&E and a further 110 patients at the Horton, which was a 10 per cent increase in the number of patients compared to this time last year.