FLU rates have doubled in Bolton as hospital bosses cancel more non-urgent operations in a bid to cope with high numbers of seriously ill people.

Stocks of the borough’s flu vaccine had been running low but health bosses have now been sent extra supplies.

Only one person in Bolton is known to have died from flu — a woman who died after contracting swine flu—and it is not known how many people are seriously ill.

Those eligible to be immunised are being urged to have their flu jab as soon as possible.

Graham Munslow, health protection specialist, said: “Stocks of the vaccine have been running low, but we have received extra supplies and GPs are able to order a single vaccine for the H1N1 strain.

“We are encouraging anyone who is eligible for the flu vaccine, who hasn’t already had theirs, to get in touch with their GP.”

The rate of flu cases in Bolton has soared from 8.6 per 100,000, in the week ending December 26, to 15.4 per 100,000 in the week ending January 2.

Royal Bolton Hospital cancelled all nonurgent surgery, about 90 operations, this week because staff have been inundated with emergencies, with flu a major problem.

Hospital bosses have now called off 13 operations over the weekend, 28 on Monday and all of Tuesday’s procedures.

Lesley Doherty, chief executive of the hospital, said: “We are sorry to have had to do this as we know delays can be upsetting for patients.

“The hospital will r e s c h e d u l e postponed operations as quickly as possible.”

The action has been taken across Greater M a n c h e s t e r ’ s hospitals for the first time.

Surgery for people with life-threatening conditions and cancer is still going ahead.

Those at risk of flu include those with long-term health conditions, like heart conditions, pregnant women and the over 65s.

Anyone with flu-like conditions should stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and take pain relief.