Hospital situation ‘slightly improved’ but bed occupancy ‘remains high’, NHS says
THE ONGOING issue with capacity at the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick has “slightly improved” but it “remains busy”, NHS Shetland has said.
All surgical procedures have “gone ahead as planned” at the hospital but bed occupancy “remains high”.
The health board said it was “carefully assessing our capacity to safely maintain the planned schedule”.
“We want to reassure you that all clinically urgent procedures will continue as planned, and we are committed to minimising cancellations wherever possible,” it said.
“We fully understand the impact any changes may have on affected patients, and we appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
“If your procedure is affected in any way, we will contact you directly as soon as possible to provide guidance and support.”
NHS Shetland said earlier this month 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.
A combination of ongoing staff sickness and patients with “extended lengths of stay” has previously been blamed for the capacity issues.
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.
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