DORSET County Hospital is struggling to recruit staff to deal with eye appointments.

Several people have had appointments cancelled but the hospital said it was doing everything it could to rectify the problem.

A spokesperson for the hospital said: “We have had some issues with scheduling ophthalmology appointments in a timely way but we are taking steps to address this.

“We have recently recruited a new consultant ophthalmologist and we are currently trying to recruit to other vacant ophthalmology posts, but there are national shortages of some specialist staff. We apologise to our patients for any delays and will be writing to everyone affected to explain and confirm appointments as soon as possible.”

One girl has been left waiting for much-needed eye treatment due to shortages at the hospital.

Alicia Todd, aged four, who has sight problems and a lazy eye, was supposed to have an appointment this week.

But her family claim they were told it has been cancelled due to staffing problems - and it could take up to six months for a new appointment. But it has since been rescheduled for next month.

Alicia’s grandmother, Jackie Padmore from Weymouth, said: “When I called I was told there is now a waiting list - they don’t have the staff to see her.

“We are in a position where we can’t get seen. This is really serious.

“It looks to me like they’re having a bit of a crisis.”

Mum Charlene said she is worried because Alicia could struggle with her eye problems at school.

She said: “When my mother-in-law rang up to double-check the time, they said ‘it’s been cancelled’ and that Alicia is on the waiting list for another appointment. Her eyes have improved but now I’m worried they’re going to get worse again.

“It would be fine if they would release her as a patient, then I could take her to an optician as soon as possible. But because of her age, they won’t.”