NO routine operations have been cancelled at any Somerset hospital despite an increase in Covid-19 cases across the country, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed.

The statement comes after a number of hospitals across the country announced on Tuesday (October 13) that they would be cancelling routine operations to make way for a rise in Covid-19 patients.

University Hospital Plymouth said it was temporarily pausing non-critical planned surgery at Derriford Hospital but day case procedures are still going ahead.

And Swansea Bay University Health Board said that all routine planned cardiac surgery at Morriston Hospital has been temporarily suspended following a localised outbreak of the virus.

But Matthew Bryant, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s chief operating officer for hospital services, said the trust has not restricted any of its services.

He said: “We have not cancelled or restricted any of our services as a result of the increasing prevalence of COVID-19 in the community.

"Although we are currently caring for a very small number of patients with COVID-19, we can reassure patients and the public that we have plans in place to ensure that we can care for a greater number if we need to.

"In the meantime if you have an NHS appointment, please do attend.”