Strained hospitals in Oxfordshire urge public to 'choose right service' as they face high demand

Hospitals in Oxford are facing high demand, prompting calls for the public to make sure they're using the right health service.

The trust running the John Radcliffe and Horton General hospitals says their emergency departments remain very busy. Unless it is a genuine emergency, the public should call 111.

Sara Randall, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust's Chief Operations Officer, says: "Our hospitals are still very busy."

Sara Randall continued: "We would urge the public to help us to help you by choosing the right NHS service because our Emergency Departments at both the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury are experiencing high levels of demand."

"Thank you for helping to support our staff and people who genuinely need emergency care at this challenging time."

John Radcliffe has confirmed that elective surgery had been cancelled but it will resume tomorrow (Saturday 11th September).

The hospital says it always had capacity for patients in intensive care.