MSP hits out at rise in surgery cancellations
The number of operations cancelled by NHS Lanarkshire due to capacity reasons has risen, according to latest figures.
Statistics reveal that the total number of cancelled operations within the health board area due to a lack of capacity from September 2017 to August 2018 was 621.
This is an increase of three per cent compared with cancelled operations due to capacity reasons from September 2016 to August 2017, which was 605.
Tory Central Scotland MSP Graham Simpson blasted the figures and said: “This year, under an SNP government, we have seen am increased number of operations cancelled in NHS Lanarkshire due to capacity reasons.
“The extensive number of cancellations has been due to a combination of factors, including SNP ministers failing to prepare for additional winter pressures.
“SNP mismanagement of NHS Scotland’s workforce has meant thousands of patients have endured cancelled operations, with all the anxiety and uncertainty that brings, often at the last minute.”
However, the East Kilbride SNP MSP Linda Fabiani hit back and said:“Whilst any cancelled operation is unfortunate for the patient involved, there are a number of reasons why the hospital cancels an operation based on capacity or non-clinical reasons. Given that there was an additional 423 scheduled elective operations from January to April this year over last, it is a bit rich of Mr Simpson to highlight that NHS Lanarkshire cancelled an additional three per cent of operations over the year before.”
Judith Park, NHS Lanarkshire deputy director of acute services, said:“We appreciate that it can be very frustrating for patients when surgery is postponed.
“Patients will be seen as soon as possible following any cancellation and every effort is made to ensure it takes place within the waiting time guarantee.”
She added that cancellations by the patient accounts for the highest number of cancelled operations.