Hospital still at full capacity as staff from within NHS pitch in to help
THE GILBERT Bain Hospital is continuing to operate at full capacity – but disruption to planned operations last week was minimised after staff from other settings pitched in to help.
NHS Shetland had said last week that some operations may have to be cancelled due to a high level of staff sickness and a lack of beds.
However the health board said it was able to open extra beds last week after staff who usually work in other settings offered support at the hospital.
“We will continue to monitor the situation daily throughout this week, assessing whether we can safely maintain planned surgical procedures as bed occupancy remains high,” the NHS said.
“All clinically urgent procedures will go ahead as planned, and we will minimise cancellations wherever possible, understanding the impact this has on affected patients.
“Any patients who may be affected will be contacted directly.”
NHS Shetland said it continues to face pressures, including ongoing staff sickness and patients with “extended lengths of stay”.
“The hospital and community health and social care services are working together to ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time,” the health board added.
“We are jointly reviewing how we can improve flow across hospital and community settings to minimise delays and maintain patient safety.
“Our staff continue to work together to maintain safe and effective care, particularly at a time when the system is under strain.”
The health board said it appreciated the commitment of staff across the hospital and community settings to help provide safe and effective care despite the pressures.
It asked anyone feeling ill, especially with respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms, not to visit the hospital or its care homes.
“We understand this can be a challenging time, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding,” the NHS said.
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“Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.”
Delayed discharges, where people are waiting to move out of hospital wards to more appropriate settings, is currently at a high level in Shetland.
This is said to have been “compounded” by the care home in Scalloway being unable to take in new admissions following a “weak” inspection report.
High level of delayed discharges ‘compounded’ by care home admissions restriction
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