Elective surgery being cancelled at some NI hospitals to cope with increasing numbers of Coronavirus cases - public asked not to visit hospitals unless ‘necessary’

BBC NI are reporting that the Mater Hospital is cancelling most elective surgery from today (Wednesday) in order to free up hospital beds and staff.

The Mater will be the main site that will deal with the majority of cases.

The BBC understands similar measures are being introduced in the Western Trust.

They say the action could last up to 12 weeks.

Yesterday, four new cases of coronavirus were confirmed by the Department of Health, bringing the total number of cases in Northern Ireland to 16.

The Western Health Trust has asked people not to visit patients in its hospitals and community facilities unless it is “absolutely essential” and asked those attending appointments to come alone.

A Tweet fromt he Western Trust asks the public not to visit their hospitals unless it is ‘absolutely necessary’.

The post says: “We are taking necessary precautions to protect our patients and staff from #COVID19.

“We are asking the public not to visit patients in our hospitals and community facilities unless absolutely essential. ⁣

⁣“Where possible, please attend your appointment on your own”.