THE trust which runs Winchester hospital has warned that operations, procedures, and treatment could be cancelled if Covid-19 cases continue to rise.

As England prepares for a second lockdown starting tomorrow, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it may be faced with “some very tough decisions” ahead.

A spokesperson for the trust said that thanks to the hard work of its staff, it has so far not had to “systematically cancel planned care or outpatient appointments due to Covid”, with both continuing in a “safe and secure way”.

However, they added: “If the number of Covid cases continues to rise then it is likely that we will be faced with some very tough decisions. We will do all we can to ensure that as much planned and non-urgent activity continues but in order to do so it is critical that everyone – patients, our staff and the general public – follow the guidelines, wear a mask, wash their hands, and socially distance.”

Prime minister Boris Johnson said in his address to the nation on Saturday it was “really important” for provision for non-Covid healthcare to continue.

He added: “Unless your clinicians tell you otherwise, you should continue to use the NHS, get your scans, turn up for your appointments and pick up your treatments. If at all possible, we want you to continue to access these services, now and through the winter. Indeed, it’s only by taking this action that we can protect the NHS for you.”