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"Cancelled operation"

About: Western Isles Hospital / General Surgery

(as a relative),

We recently had an operation cancelled on the day it was scheduled for.

All pre-op preparations had been completed as instructed, including fasting and the consumption of pre-op drinks the evening prior.  Admitted to the hospital on the day of the procedure, and seen by the surgeon, who completed the consent process. We were then told that there were no beds available at that time but hoped they may become available. The op was cancelled a few hours later.

This was extremely upsetting and distressing, not only for a patient who had mentally and physically prepared for this major procedure, but also for family members who have been supporting them throughout this process.

Through discussions with other members of the community, it seems that this situation is not an isolated one and cancellations of this nature are becoming increasingly common.

I am especially concerned as it appears that beds may be held for a “Covid ward” while scheduled surgeries are being cancelled.

I would like to make clear that the nurses involved in pre-op phase and on the day were extremely professional and kind, which was greatly appreciated.

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Responses

Response from Denise Symington, Patient Focus Public Involvement, Clinical Governance, NHS Western Isles 5 days ago
Denise Symington
Patient Focus Public Involvement, Clinical Governance,
NHS Western Isles

Lead Advisor to NHS Western Isles on Public Engagement and Service Change

Submitted on 26/06/2025 at 16:54
Published on Care Opinion at 16:54


picture of Denise Symington

Dear Lpr24K

We are very sorry for the disappointment and distress the unexpected cancellation of your relative's surgery has caused. Unfortunately a large number of the overall beds within the hospital are occupied by individuals who do not need to be in hospital, and have been assessed with agreement reached that their needs can best be met by care at home, or placement in a care home. Neither of these are currently available to meet the needs. As I am sure you can all appreciate, it is difficult to protect our elective planned workload when the number of delayed discharges is high..

Regrettably Covid is still within our communities, and having an isolation area for Covid, does not unfortunately equate to a safe place for post operative, or indeed any non Covid care. We do not have a covid ward that has nursing or medical staff attached to it. There is a nominal space where should isolation be required, we may utilise that area for patient's with contagious illness.

Again I can only apologise unreservedly for any distress this situation has caused for the patient and their family, and hope that we will shortly be able to re schedule surgery.

Lachlan MacPherson

Hospital Manager

Western Isles Hospital

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