Hospitals have cancelled non-emergency operations as there is rise in serious swine flu cases.

There are currently 35 people in critical care in Merseyside and Cheshire with flu.

The cancellation step of operations was taken so that more beds could be available for seriously-ill respiratory patients.

Health chiefs are refusing to reveal the toll of people died with swine flu, but at least eight more people have fallen ill with flu in the region so far.

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

NHS experts have predicted a further rise in flu cases after children return to school following their Christmas holidays.

The spokesman said that there is already more pressure on the NHS at this time of year as the NHS deals with rise in admission due to flu and other health problem associated with the colder weather and the winter vomiting bug norovirus.

"But the NHS is well prepared and is coping well with the increased demand for services."

The NHS has urged public to maintain good hygienic condition and to have a flu jab if they have not already.