NHS Lothian scales back procedures and appointments due to increasing pressure
Sickness, annual leave and self-isolation have contributed to staff absences in June and July
Last updated 14th Aug 2021
NHS Lothian bosses are making an appeal to the public as 'increasing' and 'unprecedented' pressure forces the scaling back of some procedures and appointments.
The health board says it's had to deal with a significant drop in available nurses and midwives over the summer because of sickness, annual leave and self-isolation.
That in turn, it adds, has led to longer waits at accident and emergency at hospitals like Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, as well a reduction in non-urgent elective procedures and outpatient appointments.
However the health board insists that existing appointments and procedures will still go ahead.
What to do if you need medical help
Professor Alex McMahon, Nurse Director, NHS Lothian, said: “The pandemic has taught us to reconsider “normal” and teams across Lothian are investigating ways of streamlining services and working smarter to ensure we can continue to deliver the best possible care for our patients.”
“However, everyone has a part to play and we are asking people to remember that the way we access urgent care has changed. If you think you need to visit A&E, but it's not life threatening, or you think you need to visit a Minor Injury Unit, call NHS 24 on 111 first, day or night.
“NHS 24 will direct you to the right care in the right place, and NHS Lothian is working with NHS24 to provide appointments for minor injury assessments to reduce the length of time spent waiting in busy hospital waiting rooms.
“It is important too to remember that there is self-care information on NHS Inform, and local pharmacies, GPs or dental practices or opticians might be the most appropriate route to treatment and care. If it is an emergency always call 999 or go to your local A&E.”
What is NHS Lothian doing to cope with Covid-19 demand?
Around 460 new nurses are expected to start over the next two months, according to NHS Lothian, as well as extra admin and support staff, to help deal with the demand.
Current workers are also being offered extra shifts.
The health board also says it's setting up 'bed-busting' teams to help speed up the transfer of patients.
All hospital settings in Scotland remain under two metre social distancing rules, even though it has been largely removed elsewhere.
'Covid is still with us'
Professor McMahon added: “We are doing everything possible to mitigate the additional pressures we are facing, however we have to be realistic.
"These challenges will not disappear overnight. We continue to work through appointments that have already been re-scheduled in recent months and to see people who may have delayed seeking treatment because of Covid-19. This will take time.
"We also continue to be restricted in the number of people we can see each day because of the enhanced infection control measures in place. Covid is still with us.”
On Wednesday, NHS Borders announced it would cancel all scheduled routine operations for the rest of the week and next week citing pressure on services.
"There is very high demand for in-patient beds, including rising numbers of patients who are being admitted with Covid-19,'' the health board said.
"We fully recognise the distress caused by this unavoidable decision and are truly sorry."