NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is recovering its elective and outpatient services following a short pause to some activity in December and January.
Over the last week alone more than 1,200 inpatient and day case procedures took place while outpatient activity increased to pre-December levels, with more than 6,000 appointments occurring across acute sites.
Notwithstanding pressures caused by winter, throughout December and January, there has been a continuation of urgent and emergency care, providing vital care to patients throughout NHSGGC.
Theatre and surgical teams have worked flexibly to maximise day cases and 23hr stay activity through Stobhill Ambulatory Care Hospital, New Victoria Hospital, the Vale of Leven and Gartnavel hospital. Despite the impact of respiratory infection (RSV) at the Royal Hospital for Children, elective surgery has been delivered to almost normal levels throughout the period. Maintaining high levels of day cases, short stay and essential inpatient activity in recent weeks has put the board in a strong position to incrementally increase further elective activity across remaining sites.
Despite progress, however, challenges remain and the board is working to reduce waiting lists throughout Greater Glasgow and continues to ensure resources are allocated based on clinical priority.
William Edwards, Chief Operating Officer for acute services across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “While dealing with the pressures of flu and covid, we have been able to continue delivering an elective programme throughout and this is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of all of our staff.
“While we are optimistically looking to the future and to scaling back up elective activity, given the large backlog of patients waiting for operative care, this will be done balanced with the demands of patients presenting for emergency care.
“We will continue to work with services and sites to ensure that resource and capacity are maximised across the health board area to allow us to continue increasing activity as we move into spring.”
