Figures reveal number of ops cancelled

More than 70 patients in Tayside had their operations cancelled for nonmedical reasons in a month, official figures show.

Hospitals in the region postponed 3.2% of planned surgical procedures in October because of capacity or non-clinical issues, compared with 2.1% in the same month last year, according to Scottish Government figures that were published yesterday.

Bed-blocking, unplanned staff absence and emergency operations taking priority are among the reasons given for the delays.

Nationally, the cancellation rate is 2.1% and is 1.3% in Fife.

An NHS Tayside spokeswoman said: “Our services must respond to many demands every day, with our priority being patient safety at all times.”

Meanwhile, a Holyrood committee is to convene in Dundee on Thursday December 15 for MSPs to question Tayside health chiefs over a dire financial position which may require more Government bail-outs.

It is free for all to attend but a place must be booked in advance on 0131 348 5200.