King’s College Hospital has cancelled all elective inpatient activity because of coronavirus.
The move, which also affects the Trust’s Princess Royal University Hospital, will last until “further notice.”
Surgery for cancer and other life-threatening conditions are not affected, the hospital said in a short statement.
The move is in “response to the increasing numbers of people being tested and treated for coronavirus,” meaning resources need to be redirected.
“With the exception of surgery for cancer and other life-threatening conditions, we have stopped all elective inpatient activity until further notice at King’s College Hospital and the Princess Royal University Hospital,” said the Trust.
“Day cases will continue but will be reviewed on a daily basis.
“Outpatient appointments will be conducted by virtual clinics or telephone consultations as long as it is clinically safe to do so.”
Those with appointments will be contacted in due course, said the Trust as it announced the extraordinary step. It added that it thanked patients for their understanding.
Elective cases are those that have been arranged in advance. According to the NHS, it does not cover transfers from other hospitals or emergency admissions.
Guy’s and St Thomas’, the other NHS Trust operating major hospitals in Southwark, has been contacted for comment on whether it plans to take a similar move.
This story may be updated with more details as we have them. Have you been affected? Get in touch by calling 020 7231 5258 or emailing josh@southwarknews.co.uk.