NHS Lanarkshire cancel surgeries as 'severe' pressure tightens
The health board are pleading with the public not to attend an already stretched A&E with conditions "best treated elsewhere" to help ease the pressure.
Last updated 20th Jul 2021
NHS Lanarkshire say that staff shortages due to both annual leave and forced self-isolation, as well as increased Covid-19 cases, have resulted in the cancellation of some planned surgeries.
As of today (Tuesday July 20) there are 81 cases of Covid across NHS Lanarkshire's three sites - University Hospital Hairmyres, Monklands and Wishaw - including 7 people in intensive care.
On Monday 643 patients attended accident and emergency departments across the three hospitals.
That all contributes to their services being stretched, meaning a "small number" of planned surgeries have had to be postponed.
NHS Lanarkshire director of acute services, Judith Park says the "sustained pressure" is showing "no signs of easing".
She continued:
"In fact, the pressures on our hospitals are as severe as at any time in the whole pandemic.
"We continue to see exceptionally high numbers of people attend A&E, including many who attend for conditions that would be best treated elsewhere."
Ms Park highlights cases such as those with sunburn or heat-wave related conditions would be best off using NHS Inform or 111, rather than attending the emergency department.
"Covid numbers in our hospitals are rising and this is an additional pressure while we are trying to recover services and treat patients who have planned operations.
"Pressures on our staff is also a concern and they are struggling to cope. The increase in Covid cases is having an impact on staffing levels, with health staff having to self-isolate due to contacts outside of work.
All our staff continue to work extremely hard to ensure that patients are seen and treated as quickly as possible.''
The health board said that due to the pressure on services further planned surgeries have been cancelled.
Ms Park said: "Unfortunately, we have had to cancel a small number of planned surgeries over the last three weeks.
"This week two urology day cases have been cancelled at University Hospital Monklands but we are anticipating more outpatient cancellation for the rest of the week.
"This is not a decision we take lightly and I would like to apologise for any upset caused.''
She said some of the public are engaging in "completely unacceptable" behavior in reaction to the changes, but noted the majority of people are still supportive of staff.
Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.