Cancelled surgeries concern TORYMSP

Tory MSP Graham Simpson is calling for the government to ensure the number of cancelled operations in Lanarkshire doesn’t spiral out of control.

Mr Simpson’s call comes after the number of operations carried out in the region plummeted by 44 per cent between August and September.

With the peak winter period on the horizon, Mr Simpson believes patients across Lanarkshire must be given guarantees by health secretary Humza Yousaf that they won’t be waiting a moment longer to have vital procedures and treatment.

The Central Scotland MSP said: “This dramatic drop in planned operations in Lanarkshire is deeply concerning.

“Humza Yousaf should be alarmed at the fall in the number carried out in one month compared to the previous one.

“This cannot be the start of a trend, otherwise more and more patients face unacceptable delays.”