NHS Lanarkshire has taken the decision to temporarily postpone the majority of non-urgent planned care procedures for the next couple of weeks to free up staff and beds for urgent care.

The decision has been taken as a result of the unprecedented pressures currently being faced across the three acute sites. A number of clinically urgent and priority procedures are not affected.

Dr John Keaney, NHS Lanarkshire acute medical director, said: “The sustained pressure we are seeing across our three acute hospitals is showing no signs of easing and our staff are struggling to cope. We are facing relentless pressures, bed shortages and staff shortages due to sickness, stress and self-isolation.

“Unfortunately we are having to postpone the majority of non-urgent procedures and I would like to apologise to those patients affected. Most patients will receive a text message confirming the postponement of their appointment.

“A small number of appointments will still go ahead as scheduled based on clinical priority.

“Cancelling this inpatient activity will release bed capacity and staff to support our A&E department which is currently seeing an unprecedented level of activity.”

While the country recently moved out of level 0 and more normality has returned, there are still major challenges and unrelenting pressures on healthcare services.

On Monday, there were more than 700 patients across Lanarkshire’s three hospitals and this level of activity has been sustained over a number of weeks and months.

John added: “We continue to see people attend A&E for conditions that would be best treated elsewhere. We are asking people to please keep our A&E departments safe for those who need critical care.

“If you think you need to attend A&E but it’s not life-threatening, you should consider the alternatives. You can call NHS 24 on 111 day or night, where you will be directed to the right NHS service. If you just need health care advice, then please use the NHS Inform website.

“General practice has continued to provide vital healthcare services throughout Covid-19. Like many other areas, services have been provided in different ways to ensure everyone’s safety and patients should contact their GP where appropriate.

“Staff have worked tirelessly treating Covid and non-Covid patients throughout the pandemic. Due to all the infection prevention and control measures required in our hospitals to ensure the safety of staff and patients, there are a number of challenges and we are asking the public for their continued patience and understanding.”

Patients will receive a letter, text message or voice message giving details of any cancellation, postponement or new appointment.

Appointments for urgent referrals, including cancer referrals, maternity and neonatal clinics have continued throughout the pandemic.

 We encourage everyone to take regular tests and get vaccinated. Visit NHS Inform for details on regular testing. Details on all drop-in clinics are published on our website at www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccine/#clinics