Scotland sees large increase in operations cancelled by patients

New figures have shown that over 700 planned operations were cancelled by patients in March, the highest figure since the start of the Covid pandemic.

 

The number of elective operations in Scotland increased to 22,000, up 17 per cent on the previous month, the second-highest figure since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.  However, the latest figures show 2,109 operations were cancelled in March this year, the highest figure for two years.

 

Dr Sandesh Gulhane, MSP, said the number of cancelled operations was deeply concerning, especially as the NHS had been officially taken off an emergency footing.

 

Dr Gulhane went on to say “We need to get back to more than pre-pandemic capacity to catch up and start to clear the enormous surgical backlog – but the SNP government seem unable to devise a plan to get on top of this crisis and, as a result, waiting times are likely to grow further.”

 

A Scottish government spokesperson described the increase in planned operations, despite the presence of the Omicron variant, as a “significant positive step in the right direction”, adding “We are working with NHS boards to get those who have had treatments or procedures postponed due to Covid-19 the care they need as quickly as possible.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

 

Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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