PLUS sized patients are taking their toll on Colchester hospitals, according to staff.

Isaac Ferneyhough, Colchester hospital trust’s back care advisor, claimed the number of bariatric patients, those heavier than 25 stone, has doubled in the past four years.

Hospital beds can support 26 stone in weight but heavier people need expensive reinforced cots, chairs and more nursing staff to lift them.

Mr Ferneyhough, who teaches hospital staff lifting techniques, has blamed an increase in desk jobs and corner cutting technology for the epidemic.