Some appointments at Southampton hospital have been cancelled as flu cases rise across the country.

University Hospital Southampton has cancelled a small number of elective procedures with more than 400 people attending the emergency department daily.

Though day case and routine appointments are going ahead as normal at the hospital, staff are dealing with a high number of patients with flu and respiratory illnesses – more than 100 in total – following a spike in the number of people suffering with cold and flu-like symptoms.

Around 5,000 hospital beds in England are occupied with patients with flu, with cases 246 per cent higher than last year, according to interim chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery.

It comes as bosses at the hospital previously said that Southampton General Hospital's Emergency Department was under "extreme pressure".

Paul Grundy, chief medical officer at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, said the hospital was “incredibly busy” due to the “huge numbers of patients” receiving medical attention.

READ MORE: Southampton General Hospital A&E under 'significant pressure'

In a social media video posted on X – formerly known as Twitter – the chief medical officer said: “The hospital is incredibly busy at present.

“We’ve got huge numbers of patients turning up to the emergency department every day, more than 400 a day at present.

“Due to the high prevalence of flu and Covid, and other infectious diseases, the hospital itself is very busy and under a lot of pressure with very few beds.

“So, we’re asking patients to consider three things. Firstly, please don’t come to the emergency department at present unless you’ve got a very significant life or limb threatening illness, in which case, of course we will see you and try and prioritise your care.

“Also, for the families and relatives wanting to come and visit patients who are in the hospital at the moment we urge you to be very cautious. If you have any signs of any infectious illness yourself, such as Covid, or cold, or flu, or diarrhoea and vomiting, as this can be very dangerous to other patients in the hospital.”

He added: “Finally, we’d like your help in helping us to discharge patients who are ready to go home.

“At this moment in time, if you’re able to come and collect friends or family members so that we can free up beds at this time of great pressure it would be much appreciated.”