NHSGGC axe 149 ops in flu crisis

SCOTLAND’S largest health board cancelled almost 150 operations in the last week because of a bed crisis due to the flu outbreak.

That compares with 120 cancellations in the whole month of November across Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

The board said they were very busy and were experiencing pressures from the flu, respiratory infections and norovirus.

As a result, they have had to “reschedule 149 planned elective operations this week in order to prioritise patients whose need is greatest”.

A spokesman said: “Our staff continue to work hard to ensure patients attending all our hospitals are treated as quickly as possible.”

Labour health spokesman Anas Sarwar said: “These figures show there is still a systematic cancellation of operations, meaning patients aren’t getting the proper treatment they need.”