"No beds."

On 31 December I was admitted for elective surgery. Having seen the Consultant, the Anesthetist, and had blood taken, I was told that surgeries had been cancelled because there were no beds. I understand that an entire ward has been closed because the administration has decided that there is no demand.

A week later I'm still waiting for a new surgery date. According to NHS guidelines, the surgery has to be done within 28 days if it has been cancelled because of non-clinical reasons. If not, I can go somewhere else at the hospital's expense. I hope it doesn't come to that.