NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) confirmed it will suspend all non-urgent operations amid rapidly rising pressures on their A&E departments.
The health board will prioritise treatment for cancer patients and other urgent treatments rather than elective procedures.
NHSGGC apologised to patients affected by the move and said the decision was 'not taken lightly' and will remain under 'constant review'.
READ MORE: Glasgow health board suspends non-urgent operations as A&E faces 'major pressures'
Glasgow Live readers have responded to the decision, with many expressing their dismay over the current state of the NHS.
Maria Gunning said: "Its unbelievable. I'm still waiting four years now for an operation and I'm not going to get it this year either because maybe they think it's not urgent, but my life condition doesn't improve without it."
Craig Robert McDonald added: "The NHS is on its knees right now, it's no wonder that many folk have to go to a private sector as the waiting lists are horrendous."
Many other also expressed sympathy for doctors, nurses and other staff members who are facing such challenging conditions.
Ann Dunn said: "This is absolutely terrible in this day/age. I do feel sorry for everyone working in the NHS these days, especially with the conditions, pay rate, shortage of staff, expected to work too many hours etc."
Sandra Mckee added: "Too many people, not enough staff, maybe if they paid a better wage we would have more doctors and nurses to deal with the situation."
Carol Daly Saunderson also said: "All nurses are getting fed up working short staff and are leaving, that's why."
Meanwhile, some pointed to the current difficulties in booking face-to-face GP appointments as part of the reason for the pressures on the NHS.
Allan Kerr said: "If you could get an appointment with your GP then hospitals wouldn't be as bad! And even when you do get an appointment with a GP, it's a phone call you get and not a face to face."
Sandra McKay Sullivan added: "GPs need to start to see patients again face to face. What's going on with them, we shouldn't have to discuss our issues with receptionists. People go to A&E when they can't seem a GP."
A spokesman said: "We would like to thank staff across all of our services for their continued hard work and commitment in these challenging times.
"Our services, like the whole of NHS Scotland, are facing major pressures, including significant COVID, flu and norovirus cases, and our staff are doing all they can to meet this demand.
"To support our A&E departments, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has taken the decision to pause non-urgent elective procedures to prioritise urgent treatment and cancer care.
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