Stone concern about cancelled operations
TWENTY-two per cent of operations were cancelled at NHS Highland hospitals in March, according to statistics which have just been released.
The figures from Information Services Division Scotland reveal that 139 operations were cancelled on the day of surgery or the previous day in the Highlands.
The situation is a matter of concern for north MP Jamie Stone, who says patients are missing out on planned operations through no fault of their own.
"The financial burden on those who have to travel large distances to attend their surgery adds to the anguish felt by many patients," he said.
Mr Stone praised the "hard-working NHS staff" who keep the health services going despite cuts but claimed "they haven’t got the resources they need to meet demand".
He added: "The Scottish Government has relied on the goodwill of staff for far too long. Scottish Liberal Democrats demand better, starting with the publication of the long-overdue integrated health and social care workforce plan."