More doctors, nurses and beds with all non-urgent operations postponed as NHS Lothian unveils COVID-19 battle plan

Non-urgent appointments are also being scaled back by the health board.
Royal Hospital for Sick Children and the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary site at Little FranceRoyal Hospital for Sick Children and the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary site at Little France
Royal Hospital for Sick Children and the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary site at Little France

More intensive care unit (ICU) beds, more doctors and nurses as well as the postponement of non-urgent surgeries will help NHS Lothian battle coronavirus, the health board announced today.

Unveiling their action plan to tackle the virus, the health board confirmed that student nurses and doctors as well as recently retired physicians would be asked to return to work and help out during the crisis.

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The health board has also increased the number of ICU beds and available beds in general, and confirmed the measures would not impact maternity, emergency or cancer services.

Non-urgent operations such as gallbladder and hernia surgery, hip and knee replacements and elective gynaecological operations have all been postponed in a move to free up bedspace.

Outpatient and diagnostic appointments will also be scaled back, with patients to be contacted in the coming days.

Short-term contracts will be offered to bank staff to also shore up staffing levels.

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Deputy chief executive at NHS Lothian, Jim Crombie, said work is also advanced in helping reduce the number of people waiting to be discharged and allowed home.

He said: “We know that this is a challenging and worrying time, but I hope that by sharing our plans, we can offer reassurance to the public that we are as well-prepared for the increased demands that coronavirus is likely to cause.

“For many weeks now, we have already been working hard to increase capacity across our acute services, and many of the measures had already been deployed.

“I know that disruption to services, such as the postponement of non-elective procedures can be very frustrating and worrying for patients, but I would like to stress that these decisions have not been taken lightly.

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“While coronavirus will undoubtedly present ongoing challenges for our health service, I would like to take the opportunity to say thank you to all staff across NHS Lothian and our four Health and Social Care Partnerships. The dedication, commitment and flexibility that staff have shown in what is a difficult time is to be commended.”

A free helpline has been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice. This can be accessed by calling 0800 028 2816. The helpline is open Monday to Friday: 8:00am – 10:00pm, Saturday and Sunday: 8:00am – 6:00pm.

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