Storm Eowyn has led to widespread appointment cancellations in central Scotland as hospitals prioritize safety amid severe weather warnings
Central Scotland: Hospitals are feeling the impact of Storm Eowyn. With hurricane-force winds hitting the area, many outpatient appointments have been cancelled.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lothian, NHS Ayrshire and Arran, and NHS Fife are among those postponing procedures. They’re taking this step to keep everyone safe.
The Met Office issued a rare red alert, warning of wind speeds reaching up to 100mph. It’s pretty intense, and people are being told to stay indoors.
In fact, the first-ever use of the UK-wide emergency alert system had phones blaring with urgent messages. It’s serious out there!
All trains are suspended, schools are closed, and police are advising against travel in affected areas. It’s a bit chaotic, to say the least.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde mentioned that non-urgent appointments and routine admissions for January 24 are off. But don’t worry, urgent care and essential services are still running.
If your appointment is affected, they’ll reschedule it as soon as they can. Vaccination clinics for that day are also cancelled but will resume the next day.
NHS Forth Valley is in the same boat, postponing clinics and tests but planning to reschedule them quickly. They’re also cancelling vaccinations for Friday.
Meanwhile, NHS Ayrshire and Arran is only offering urgent care at GP practices, with all vaccination clinics closed. They’re prioritizing safety, just like everyone else.
NHS Fife has also decided to postpone routine appointments and diagnostics due to severe weather warnings. They’re looking out for both patients and staff.
NHS Lothian is taking similar precautions, cancelling most non-urgent procedures but still handling emergency cases and urgent treatments.
Lastly, NHS Dumfries and Galloway is keeping most outpatient appointments at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary on track, but Galloway Community Hospital in Stranraer is cancelling all surgeries for that day.
