Covid in Scotland: Health boards 'under pressure' due to cases
- Published
NHS Highland said current infection levels were having an impact on its workforce
More health boards have warned of rising Covid cases putting severe pressure on their services.
NHS Highland said staff numbers had been hit by illness or workers having to self-isolate.
The health board said it was having to return to prioritising vital care and treatment, such as emergency admissions and cancer care.
NHS Grampian said Covid patients were up more than 40% in a week while NHS Fife has postponed non-urgent surgery.
NHS Highland some patients would have to wait longer for operations.
The health board apologised for the situation and said it understood it would cause "upset and anxiety" among patients.
Medical director Dr Boyd Peters said: "The current levels of infection in our communities are impacting on our staff availability either due to test and protect isolation requirements or due to illness.
"Our capacity to deliver the full range of services is becoming more challenging each day."
In July, the Highlands' largest hospital was placed on "code black status" for about a week after reaching capacity amid increasing Covid cases.
NHS Highland said staffing and services at Inverness' Raigmore Hospital was again under pressure due to large numbers of staff having to self-isolate.
All non-urgent elective surgery has been cancelled, as well as outpatient activity - with the exception of cancer, urgent and some other areas of care.
NHS Grampian said cases were putting huge pressure on front line staff and hospital capacity.
Members of the public are being urged to get vaccinated, stick to the guidelines and to phone 111 before attending the emergency department. NHS Grampian is asking people with friends or relatives in hospital who are ready for discharge to collect them as soon as possible".
NHS Fife said it had taken the difficult decision to postpone all non-urgent surgery as it struggled to cope with demand following the removal of lockdown restrictions.
Health bosses said urgent care and cancer treatment was being prioritised due to a "sustained and significant rise" in patients requiring treatment for Covid and non-Covid related medical conditions.
