Figures show shocking number of cancelled operations

Fifteen NHS patients had operations cancelled every day this year, new figures have revealed.

Analysis by Scottish Labour suggested a lack of capacity or stretched resources were to blame for many of the hold-ups.

It comes after the 2015 NHS staff survey showed that only a third of health service staff thought they had the resources and staff to do their jobs properly.

Labour’s public services spokeswoman Jackie Baillie said: “These figures are absolutely shocking and point to an NHS not getting the support it needs from the SNP Government in Edinburgh.”

“Earlier this month only a third of NHS staff believed they had the resources and staff to do their jobs properly. Fifteen cancelled operations per day due to a lack of capacity show the reality of those concerns.”

The Scottish Government was asked to comment but had not responded by the time of going to press.