Tony Spotswood, chief executive of Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals Trust, also said there was a "constant rise" in emergency patients.

BBC: Royal Bournemouth Hospital

Mr Spotswood said he wanted to reassure patients and added those who have had their operations cancelled have been given renewed dates.

BBC: Royal Bournemouth Hospital

Members of the public were due to meet Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospital Trust chief executive Tony Spotswood at the meeting, in Christchurch's civic centre from 1800 BST.

BBC: Debate over Christchurch hospital proposals