THE MAIL readers have had their say after the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust postponed all non-urgent surgical operations at Furness General Hospital with immediate effect.

The Trust is reluctantly postponing appointments due to the current pressure facing the hospital, and in particular the Intensive Care Unit, because of increasing numbers of patients with COVID-19.

Darren John McSweeney said: "No-one should be surprised. They have no choice. The hospital is full. Possibly beyond full. The figures for the last few days paint a grim picture. The non believers and conspiracy theorists on my newsfeed are slowly disappearing. These are our darkest days."

Pat Carr said: "Nurses and doctors and down to the cleaners are all doing all they can they don't ask for gratitude they just carry on because they are dedicated people."

Christine Rowan said: "Well done team Furness General Hospital you are all doing a brilliant job.. Keep safe to all the colleagues I work with doing a brilliant job and this decision wouldn’t of gone lightly.."

David Crouchley said: "That is what they are doing 24 hours a day, the staff are on their knees."

Kelly Atkinson said: "And this is what happens when the NHS are overwhelmed with covid. Stay home."

Amanda Currie said: "I had mine cancelled Christmas week, partly because of them being scared I might catch Covid. I am surprised they haven't cancelled all non urgent operations sooner to be honest."

Jane Sharrock said: "We are and have continued to work very hard to continue to deliver elective surgery to those in most need, including cancer services and urgent cases, speaking from a nurse who’s worked through this pandemic in elective surgery!"

Mandy Coplen McKenna said: "I’ll just wait another year - see to all the poorly people first I can wait."

Ann Chadwick said: "It is really difficult at Barrow, just now. Take care everyone..."