Hospitals cancel non-urgent surgery
StaffunderpressureduetoA&EnumbersandCovid
NHS Lanarkshire is postponing non-urgent surgery as its three acute hospitals again face “unprecedented pressures”.
Rising patient numbers at its emergency departments and the rise of Covid infections across the county are among the factors affecting the decision.
The majority of elective procedures for the next few weeks will be rescheduled; although the health board says that clinically urgent and priority procedures are not affected.
It will free up both staff and beds to meet increased need for urgent care – with more than 700 patients having attended Lanarkshire’s hospitals on Monday alone and the same day seeing the health board area register a record-high daily figure of 934 positive Covid tests.
Medics are again urging Lanarkshire residents to “please keep our accident and emergency departments safe for those who need critical care” as attendance figures continue to spike, asking that people with non-life threatening conditions use alternative healthcare services.
Acute medical director Dr John Keaney explained: “The sustained pressure we are seeing across our three acute hospitals is showing no signs of easing and our staff are struggling to cope.
“We are facing relentless pressures, bed shortages and staff shortages due to sickness, stress and self-isolation.”
He said of the surgery cancellations: “Unfortunately we are having to postpone the majority of non-urgent procedures, and I would like to apologise to those patients affected.
“Most patients will receive a text message confirming the postponement of their appointment.
“A small number will still go ahead as scheduled based on clinical priority.
“Cancelling this inpatient activity pictured
will release bed capacity and staff to support our A&E which is currently seeing an unprecedented level of activity.”
Lanarkshire’s emergency departments at Monklands, Hairmyres and Wishaw have consistently seen a hugely increased combined total of more than 4000 patients per week since early May; with the figure soaring to 4698 patients in the week ending June 6.
Medics note that “this level of activity has been sustained over a number of weeks and months” and that despite the move beyond level-zero coronavirus restrictions earlier this month, “there are still major challenges and unrelenting pressures on healthcare services”.
Dr Keaney said: “We continue to see people attend A&E for conditions that would be best treated elsewhere and are asking people to please keep our emergency departments safe for those who need critical care.
“If you think you need to attend A&E but it’s not life-threatening, you should consider the alternatives – you can call NHS 24 on 111 day or night, where you will be directed to the right service, and if you just need healthcare advice, please use the NHS Inform website.
“General practice has continued to provide vital healthcare services throughout Covid-19; like many other areas, services have been provided in different ways to ensure that everyone’s safety and patients should contact their GP where appropriate.
“Staff have worked tirelessly treating Covid and non-Covid patients throughout the pandemic. Due to all the infection prevention and control measures required in our hospitals to ensure the safety of staff and patients, there are a number of challenges and we are asking the public for their continued patience and understanding.”
Appointments for urgent referrals, including cancer referrals, maternity and neonatal clinics have continued throughout the pandemic.
Patients whose elective surgeries are impacted will receive a letter, text or voice message giving details of any cancellation, postponement or new appointment.
NHS Lanarkshire add that they “encourage everyone to take regular tests and get vaccinated”, with details of drop-in clinics being available on the health board’s website.
We are having to postpone the majority of non-urgent procedures and apologise