Coronavirus: NHS Fife takes 'difficult decision' to postpone some non-urgent procedures

The move comes after a number of Scottish Health boards decided to call a halt to elective surgeries as a result of the increasing number of people requiring hospital treatment for the virus as well as a rise in hospital patients over the winter period.

NHS Ayrshire, NHS Arran and NHS Lanarkshire have announced they are temporarily postponing all non-urgent elective surgeries.

A spokesman for NHS Fife said while it hasn’t postponed its whole elective programme, it has opted to reschedule some non-urgent procedures.

Claire Dobson, NHS Fife director of acute services, said: “There are undoubted pressures in hospitals across Fife, as there are elsewhere in the country, in caring for an increased number of patients over winter and coping with the additional challenges brought about by COVID-19,” she said.

“While we have not taken the decision to postpone our whole elective programme, the rising numbers of patients admitted with COVID-19 has meant we had to take the difficult decision to postpone some non-urgent procedures so that we can prioritise clinical services for those who patients who are most unwell.

"Those procedures postponed are being rescheduled as soon as is practical and safe to do so.

“It is vital that local people recognise the critical role they play in helping us to keep our hospitals running safely. There is a direct correlation between the prevalence of COVID-19 in our communities and the numbers of people requiring care in our hospitals - that’s why it is crucial that people stay at home wherever possible.”

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