Elective surgery at Western Isles Hospital

Following a higher than average number of non-COVID-related surgical site infections in patients who had elective procedures in Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway, a precautionary decision has been taken to reschedule all elective procedures that were due to be carried out for the coming week (until 20^th September). This allows time for a range of infection prevention and control audits and an investigation to be carried out.  

Procedures affected are general surgery, orthopaedics, gynaecology, and ophthalmology.  

All patients affected have been contacted individually and will be rescheduled as soon as possible. We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely apologise to all patients affected.  

A total of 34 procedures are being rescheduled as a precautionary measure until all checks are complete.  

There will be no impact on emergency procedures, and minor surgery and scopes will also continue.