NHS Lanarkshire has taken the decision to cancel non-urgent outpatient appointments and planned procedures at acute sites including University Hospital Wishaw from today.
The move follows yesterday’s Scottish government announcement that all non-urgent elective care has been postponed to free up capacity in hospitals for at least the next three months.
However, pregnant women are the exception with maternity and neonatal clinics continuing to run as normal for the time being.
Judith Park, NHS Lanarkshire acting director of acute services, said: “The safety of our patients is always our top priority. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic and the latest Scottish government advice, we have taken the decision to cancel non-urgent outpatient appointments and planned procedures from today at all our acute sites.
“The decision to cancel any appointment is not one that we take lightly and I apologise for the impact this will have on patients. Most patients will receive a text message confirming the cancellation of their appointment.
“A small number of appointments will still go ahead as scheduled. Appointments will be prioritised based on clinical need and those patients who are deemed clinically urgent will be rebooked. Patients will receive a letter, text message or voice message giving details of their new appointment.”
Patients with any concerns can contact a dedicated helpline on 0300 303 0446.
Visiting has also been suspended from today, March 18, at all NHS Lanarkshire hospitals, “to limit the spread of coronavirus and protect vulnerable patients”.
Hospital visitors will only be allowed in “very limited circumstances”, such as for patients receiving end-of-life care or those accompanying partners during childbirth.
Access for visitors will only be allowed following agreement with the senior charge nurse, midwife, or their deputies responsible for the clinical area where the patient is being cared for.
NHS bosses are asking patients to consider the latest Scottish government advice, including staying at home if they have symptoms that may be caused by COVID-19 or they live with someone that has symptoms.
A free helpline has been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice: 0800 028 2816.
