Edinburgh and Lothian's health bosses have confirmed that they plan to postpone more scheduled operations due to the pressure put on the NHS from Covid cases.
NHS Lothian confirmed to the Daily Record that they would need to shift their “focus and capacity” on the sickest of patients.
It comes as the health board previously warned that coronavirus cases were placing mounting pressure on local hospitals and community services across the region.
The health board did not confirm exactly how many operations they plan to postpone but told how new hospital admissions, combined with the high numbers of staff required to self-isolate is putting pressure on the system.
Jacquie Campbell, Chief Officer of Acute Services, NHS Lothian, gave an update, saying the situation remained fragile.
She said: “NHS Lothian is continuing to closely monitor the impact increased pressure is having on hospital and community services.
“Since the July 8 we have unfortunately continued to postpone some planned procedures to focus staff and capacity on the most urgent patients.
“We apologise to anyone who has been affected and are working to ensure appointments are rescheduled as quickly as possible.”
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NHS Lothian’s Director of Public Health, Dona Milne, urged people to keep getting vaccinated against Covid-19 and stick to safety precautions.
Locals across the NHS Lothian health board are also being encouraged to make sure they use the right service at the right time by considering accessing their pharmacy, minor injuries service, their GP surgery or calling 111 rather than automatically going to the Emergency Department.
