The operations are to be postponed until the next financial year

The routine operations were due to take place over the next two months.

But the trust, which runs the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske, is postponing them until the next financial year.

The hospital, which is heading for a �2m overspend, says that patients will still be treated within government target times.

'Saving money'

Routine surgery like hernias and varicose veins will be affected by the move.

The hospital's director of delivery, Paula Friend, said the action is the only option.

She said: "The trust has been saving money in every area it can.

"Although it's regrettable, it is not clinically dangerous for them."

The Patients Forum which monitors work at Treliske says it has been assured that cancer treatment will not be affected.

Orthopaedic and dermatology operations will also go ahead as usual.

The trust says the number of operations which will not take place each week, 25, should be put in context.