AIREDALE Hospital has postponed non-urgent operations requiring an overnight stay as Covid-19 cases increase.

In the past week, the hospital has had between 25 and 30 patients receiving treatment for the virus.

David Crampsey, executive medical director at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, says: "We are seeing increasing demand on the hospital which is in turn meaning that our inpatient beds are at capacity. As a result, and as per our escalation plans, we have taken the decision to postpone any elective surgery that needs an overnight stay."

The move came into effect today, for two weeks.

“Urgent and emergency cases and cancer surgery will be carrying on as normal," added Mr Crampsey. "Our day case activity will also continue for now, with our teams ensuring we’re working on the basis of clinical priority.

“We know many people waiting for treatment will be disappointed or worried and we will be contacting everyone affected. This is not a decision we take lightly, but is necessary to ensure that we can continue to care for the patients who need us most. We will continue to review the situation and act in the best interests of our patients.”