OPERATIONS were cancelled as hospitals struggled to cope with huge demand over Christmas.

Almost a quarter more patients turned up at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s emergency department between Christmas Day and Sunday compared with last year.

And Poole Hospital saw a 17 per cent increase on last year’s busiest day of the festive season when 254 people attended its emergency department on Saturday alone.

The high numbers at Poole forced bosses to reschedule non-urgent procedures.

“In common with health systems across the country, Poole Hospital has also experienced exceptionally significant pressure over the past weekend, with increases in both the number of patients being admitted and the number of patients delayed awaiting safe discharge from hospital” said a spokesman.

“Regrettably, this has led to a number of non-urgent procedures being rescheduled in order to prioritise our staff and services towards patients requiring urgent treatment.

“We urge people to make sure they choose the right service when they need care. There are many alternatives to A&E where peoples’ health needs may be met more appropriately, and which could offer faster access to care.”

At Bournemouth, a spokesman said: “Our staff have been working exceptionally hard to offer a high quality care service during this time, pulling together with partner organisations, providing extra staff, sourcing extra beds, and trying new, innovative ways of successfully meeting the rise in demand.”

Extra beds are also now in operation at Lymington New Forest Hospital to help ease pressure on Southampton General Hospital.

Patients have been urged to consider other forms of care before attending hospital emergency departments.

Advice includes:

Seeing your doctor: For medical advice, prescriptions and examinations and for persistent illness. You should be able to get an emergency appointment with your surgery as soon as possible, Monday to Friday.

GP out of hours service: If your local practice is closed, listen to the answerphone message which should advise you how to contact out of hours services. Advice can also be sought by calling 111.

Walk-in centre/minor injuries unit (MIU): If you have a minor illness and/or injury such as a scald or sprain that does not require an A&E visit but you can’t wait for a GP appointment, visit your nearest walk-in centre. There are centres locally in Boscombe, Blandford, Bridport, Westminster, Wimborne, Weymouth, Sherborne, Portland and Swanage. Visit www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/services/miu for details of your local centre and opening times. Details about the Boscombe and Springbourne Walk-in Centre can be found on http://www.nwic.org.uk/or by calling 01202 720174.

NHS 111: If you are unsure of your symptoms and want expert advice, dial 111. The service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and the call is free. You will be assessed and advised on the best course of action to take and whether or not you need to seek professional help.

Pharmacy: Pharmacies offer more than prescriptions. They can advise on bugs and viruses, coughs and colds, aches and pains, tummy upsets and allergies.

A&E or 999: For anything that is classed as an emergency including choking, chest pain, loss of consciousness, severe blood loss, broken bones, difficulty breathing, deep wounds, or a suspected stroke.