HOSPITAL managers warned today they may have to cancel operations at York District Hospital next week because of a flu-type illness which is cutting a swathe through nursing staff.
Up to 50 nurses were off sick today in wards across the hospital.
Nurse manager Mike Proctor said other nurses were working hard to cover for absent colleagues.
But he said hospital staff were already stretched because of the usual winter rush on beds.
With half-term coming up next week and more staff due off to look after their children, the hospital might have to postpone some routine operations like varicose veins or hernias.
He said: "We will maintain accident and emergency services.
"We will look after patients we've got in hospital already.
"But we may be having to cancel some things we'd like to do."
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