NHS Orkney takes steps to manage bed shortage at The Balfour

NHS Orkney is warning that there is a “high likelihood” that routine procedures and operations will be cancelled as the health board manages a bed shortage.

The issues are related to general winter pressures and delays in discharging patients who require additional support.

Adding to this pressure has been the high number of COVID admissions at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary meaning that some planned transfers were not taking place but the patients were safe and being cared for in Orkney.

Several procedures have already been deferred due to the reduction in the number of available beds.

According to acting medical director Dr Louise Wilson, several beds in The Balfour are ring-fenced for possible COVID patients.

With the rise in the number of people in Orkney contracting the virus, it was important this “red” area remained available, said Dr Wilson.

“Those who are offered an elective procedure during this time need to be aware there is a high likelihood of it being cancelled because of the current situation,” explained Dr Wilson in a statement to the Orkney media.

“We realise how upsetting this can be for people and are sorry when cancellations have to be made.

“These elective procedures are being clinically prioritised and safe management of all patients remains our top priority.”

Dr Wilson explained that, for some cases that are planned as an “elective day case”, a bed had to be kept available in case the person needed to be admitted for clinical reasons.

“And, this has to be balanced against the likely number of emergencies that will require admission,” she added.

Dr Wilson explained that NHS Orkney services had not experienced the immense immediate pressures from COVID admissions seen in other parts of Scotland but that the knock-on from pressures across the NHS system was being felt.

“We have been very fortunate that we have managed to keep offering elective surgery for as long as we have.

“We continue to manage this on a day-by-day basis to ensure we provide the best treatment for as many patients as possible.”