Health and care services continue to experience unprecedented levels of pressure across Lanarkshire.

These pressures are a result of three main factors; increased COVID-19 cases, trying to maintain and recover services – including planned operations – and a shortage of staff due to annual leave or those having to self-isolate as a result of contacts outside of work.

Video of Heather Knox, NHS Lanarkshire chief executive

Heather Knox, NHS Lanarkshire chief executive, said: “We have seen exceptionally high numbers of people attending our emergency departments. Over recent weeks, we have seen higher numbers than we would normally see during the winter period and our staff are struggling to cope. We would encourage people to seek advice from NHS inform or NHS 24 on 111 before they attend A&E.

“We have also seen an increase in the number of people admitted to hospital with COVID-19 and this is an additional pressure while we are trying to recover services and treat those patients who need our care; people who have planned operations which we are desperate to do. We also have staffing pressures as we currently have staff who are having to self-isolating due to contacts out of work.

“These combined pressures mean that we have had to take some difficult decisions. Unfortunately, we have had to cancel a small number of planned surgeries at University Hospital Wishaw for the rest of this week. This is not a decision we take lightly and I would like to apologise for any upset caused.”

In total, 18 procedures will be rescheduled: five general surgery cases and eight new and five return outpatients over a range of medical specialities.

Most of the new COVID-19 cases in Lanarkshire are in the 18 to 39-year-old age range and this is reflected in the hospital inpatient numbers.

Heather added: “I would encourage younger people, 18 to 39-year-olds, to protect themselves by maintaining physical distance from others, wear a face covering, take a regular lateral flow test and by getting vaccinated.”