An east London hospital has been forced to cancel planned surgery and outpatient appointments due to damage caused by flooding.

Whipps Cross Hospital was hit by the heavy rainfall in the capital on Sunday, which caused damage to parts of the building, the electrical system and a loss of power.

Around 100 patients were moved to different facilities.

On Tuesday, the majority of procedures, including those within maternity, continued to be provided by other hospitals.

Ambulances were still being diverted to other emergency departments.

Some people were being contacted for virtual appointments.

Whipps Cross is part of Barts Health NHS Trust, which also oversees St Bartholomew’s Hospital, The Royal London Hospital, Mile End Hospital and Newham Hospital.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “We are working hard to clean up affected areas and keeping the situation under constant review.

“We would like to thank patients for their understanding and remind the public to check our visiting arrangements before coming in. Further updates will be provided as the situation changes.”

Newham Hospital was affected by the rain as well, with its A&E department flooding in some areas, but is now fully operational.

Sunday’s heavy rain not only caused damage to hospitals but also to homes, roads, shopping centres and stations in the south of England.

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The Met Office has issued warnings for thunderstorms and rain in England and Scotland for the next three days, sparking fears of more disruption.

A yellow thunderstorm warning is in place for much of the Midlands, Wales and northern England between 9am on Tuesday and 6am on Wednesday.

Yellow and amber warnings have also been issued for most of Scotland from midday onwards on Tuesday.

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