MERSEYSIDE hospitals have cancelled non-emergency operations as the region fights a rise in serious swine flu cases.

Latest figures from NHS North West show there are currently 35 people in critical care in Merseyside and Cheshire with flu.

The step has been taken to free up space so more beds are available for seriously ill respiratory patients.

Health chiefs yesterday refused to reveal an official figure for how many people have died from swine flu, but at least eight people have fallen victim in the region so far.

They include teenager Olivia Rae Clee-Barnett, from Wirral, and mother-of-two Kay Burdett, from Old Swan.

Paula Grey, Director of Public Health in Liverpool, said the cancellation of non-emergency operations was standard practice when levels of flu became high. Each individual hospital will rearrange the affected appointments.

She said: “We are seeing a higher number of cases than in some previous years, but they are not worryingly high.

“Our health services have to adapt and be flexible and obviously those seriously ill are a priority.”