News / NHS takes ‘difficult decision’ to cancel operations with hospital at full capacity
SOME surgical procedures have had to be cancelled by NHS Shetland because the Gilbert Bain Hospital is continuing to operate at full capacity.
The health board said the hospital had now been full “for a number of weeks”.
And despite additional inpatient beds being opened to allow for emergency patients to be admitted, NHS Shetland said it had “reached a stage where we now need to consider what services we can and should continue”.
“We have taken the difficult decision today to cancel some surgical procedures, and we will be reviewing theatre lists for the rest of the week,” NHS Shetland said.
“Any patients affected will be contacted directly, and we will re-book cancelled appointments as soon as we can.
“Emergency and urgent cancer treatment will still go ahead as planned.”
Outpatient services are currently operating as usual, but may need to adapt opening hours as its team provide assistance to other struggling departments.
Nursing and acute services director Kathleen Carolan said she understands the decision would cause “inconvenience and distress”.
“We are truly sorry for any disruption,” she said. “Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of all our patients and staff.
“As always, those with the greatest clinical need will be prioritised, and we aim to resume normal operations as quickly as possible.
“We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.”
Anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms is asked not to visit the hospital to protect patients and staff.
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