Shadow Health Secretary Donald Cameron has expressed concern about the number of delayed operations across the Highlands and Islands.
Mr Cameron issued his warning after new figures showed that in the six months between April and September, there was a significant drop in the number of operations performed across the region compared to the previous year.
Mr Cameron, a Highlands and Islands MSP, said: “Judging by the latest figures we are looking at over 4,000 missed operations in the area covered by NHS Highland, and another 400 missed in the Western Isles."
“Obviously this is due to the impact of Covid-19, but it does mean that action has to be taken to prevent this problem escalating as we move into winter."
“People requiring treatment must not be forgotten and I will be pressing ministers to ensure that adequate resources are made available to help the NHS cope.”
Cancelled planned operations
NHS Highland
April-September 2020 2,923 operations
Average Operations in April-September between 2016-2019 7,278
Potential Missed Operations 4,355
NHS Western Isles
April-September 2020 operations 205
Average Operations between April-September 2016-2019 609
Potential Missed Operations 404
The statistics can be found here for health boards: https://beta.isdscotland.org/find-publications-and-data/healthcare-resources/waiting-times/cancelled-planned-operations/
