THE Countess of Chester Hospital has confirmed that it has started to carry out elective surgery again.

Chief executive Dr Susan Gilby says she understands it will have been a "stressful" period for people awaiting surgical appointments, which is why they have been working hard to safely restart services.

Elective surgery was temporarily stopped back in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr Gilby revealed increased infection prevention and control measures have been put in place.

She said: "I am pleased to confirm that from 11 May we began carrying out some elective surgery, allowing many patients who have been waiting for a procedure to get the treatment they need.

"We know that waiting for surgical appointments during this pandemic will have been stressful for many people, which is why our teams have been working hard to safely restart services.

"We have been putting in place extra infection prevention and control measures to ensure that the risk is as low as possible for those attending the hospital for non COVID-19 treatments.

"I want people to know that the hospital is a safe place to be if you need our help and is fully equipped to safely treat patients who require planned care unrelated to COVID-19.

"If anyone has concerns about having a procedure, I would encourage them to speak to their care team who will be able to answer any questions they may have."