Most non-urgent operations and appointments have been cancelled at Ascot's Heatherwood Hospital and Frimley Park Hospital as the trust that runs it struggles to keep up with the rise in Coronavirus infections.

The two hospitals are one of three hospitals run by the Frimley Health Foundation Trust, the other being Wexham Park Hospital.

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A statement to patients on the trust's website today said: "We have been enacting our contingency plans to increase capacity so that we can continue to give all patients the care they urgently need.

"That includes unfortunately having to postpone most non-urgent operations and appointments. We will contact you if your appointment is affected and we will let you know as soon as it has been rescheduled. If your condition worsens while you are waiting, please contact your GP or your hospital service."

Both A&E departments remain open to anyone who needs urgent and life-saving care.

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But the trust is calling on people not in a life threatening situation to call 111 first, as the telephone service has been expanded to direct people to the most appropriate care.

In-person visiting was suspended at Frimley Park Hospital before Christmas, although arrangements for maternity services, children, carers of vulnerable patients and patients at the end of life remain as before.

The trust is working to facilitate ‘virtual visits’, including video and telephone calls and wards can be called directly via the phone numbers on the website.