New figures show that in December 2017, NHS Borders cancelled a higher percentage of planned operations than any other health board in Scotland.
The figures, published today by ISD Scotland show that 17.3% of the 359 planned operations were cancelled by the health board. This compares to a national figure of 10.8% and is significantly higher than the second worst figure, of 12.8% for NHS Lothian.
By far the most common reason for a cancelled operation in December was due to “capacity or non-clinical reasons,” a problem which has been an issue at NHS Borders for the past few years. This is defined as a shortage of staff, beds or equipment or because a previous theatre session overran. Overall 12% of operations were cancelled for this reason, more than 4 times the national average of 3.2%.
Local politicians have repeatedly raised this issue of cancelled operations at NHS Borders. These figures come despite repeated assurances from health chiefs that work was being done to reduce cancellation rates.
John Lamont MP said: “Everyone appreciates the winter months are the toughest for health boards to deal with. But even so, for one in six patients to be told they can’t have their operation is nothing short of dreadful.
“I’ve repeatedly raised this issue and cancellations have troubled NHS Borders for a while now. I know that staff are acutely aware of the problems cancelled operations cause. They are being let down by an SNP Government who are failing rural health boards.
“We need to look again at whether health boards with large rural populations like NHS Borders are being sufficiently supported.”
For more information:
The cancelled operations stats can be viewed here:
http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Waiting-Times/Publications/201…