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A SCOTTISH health board has been forced to prioritise urgent care for the most vulnerable people due to staff having to self-isolate, a rise in coronavirus patients and an increase in A&E attendance.
NHS Lanarkshire made the decision today amid a rise in what it described as “sustained pressure,” having earlier this week cancelled planned surgeries at its three hospitals — Hairmyres, Monklands and Wishaw.
Care at home and home support services for people with complex needs are particularly badly hit, with the health board saying it will now focus efforts on the most vulnerable.
Ross McGuffie, chief officer for health and social care in North Lanarkshire, said despite more than 100 new staff being hired, services were facing “major challenges.”
He said: “This is the most challenging point for staff delivering safe, effective healthcare across the whole of health and social care since the pandemic started.”
Marianne Hayward, interim chief officer for South Lanarkshire health and social care partnership, said: “The pressures being experienced across the whole health and social care system are exceptional.”
