Praise for staff as hospital remains ‘extremely busy’

NHS Shetland chairman Gary Robinson has paid tribute to the flexibility of local staff after it was announced on Monday the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick is at capacity.

Speaking at a meeting of the health board on Tuesday morning, he said the hospital was “extremely busy” at the moment.

NHS Shetland announced on Monday that some planned procedures and appointments are being cancelled at the Gilbert Bain Hospital due to a high level of staff sickness and a lack of beds.

All clinically urgent procedures will happen as planned.

Robinson said he wanted to thank staff who are working extra shifts, providing “mutual support to teams” and being flexible if they are asked to change shift patterns.

“I’m conscious that this is on top of the additional pressures brought about due to the structural works being undertaken in the hospital,” he added.

Robinson said “every effort” is being made to limit disruption to patient services.

NHS Shetland said on Monday that the measures regarding the capacity of the hospital are temporary but could last until next week.