Raigmore operation cancellations crisis 'highlights need for new hospital in Inverness, says Highland MSP
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PRESSURES that have led to operation cancellations at Raigmore "highlight again why the Highlands needs a new hospital", a local MSP has argued.
Edward Mountain, a Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, made the comments this morning following an announcement by NHS Highland last night that a "significant" influx of patients had put "further strain on an already pressurised system" and led to the cancellation of some operations to allow for emergency patient admissions
The MSP said: “NHS Highland usually inform parliamentary representatives when operational issues like this arise, but in this case they haven’t.
“It is obviously disappointing that Raigmore is now under serious pressure to offer all the services that should normally be available.
“I suppose we should be thankful that this hasn’t happened while the proposed works were being carried out to the maternity unit, which will place incredible strain on the hospital’s capacity during their completion.
Related: Raigmore Hospital in Inverness cancels operations to deal with emergencies
“This issue highlights yet again why the Highlands needs a new hospital to replace Raigmore and I am campaigning relentlessly to make this a reality.”
Announcing the cancellations last night, Dr Boyd Peters, medical director for NHS Highland, said he was "very sorry" that the move had been necessary and added that he "sincerely hope[d] we will see these pressures ease soon".
“We are currently very busy, with lots of people needing our services," said Dr Peters. "Our operational planning and the extra efforts of our staff in all our hospitals and community services have ensured that we have been able to respond to these pressures.
"Unfortunately, a number of planned operations have had to be cancelled to allow for emergency admissions. I am very sorry that this has been necessary and I'd like to thank patients and their families for their understanding and cooperation at this very difficult time.
"I sincerely hope we will see these pressures ease soon.”
NHS Highland said the crisis had occurred after a higher number of trauma cases came into the hospital, and "very few patients being able to be discharged".
The health board added that "support from across all areas of the organisation is being used and all available escalation is in place".
It added that, "to help us further we would ask the public for your support in ensuring that if you do need medical care you use the most appropriate services".
If you need urgent care that is not life-threatening, you should call NHS24 on 111. NHS Highland said NHS 24 will direct you "to the most appropriate care", which might be a minor injuries unit, phone or virtual appointment, pharmacy, or A&E.
