Start routine operations and screening programme.

I believe that it would be benefical to start routine procedures and screening programmes.

For routine operations - patients could be tested 48 hours prior to procedure and admitted to hospital and keep on ward or single room with no other none case to reduce risk. I fear for the backlog if we don't start routine procedure. My worry is many routine procedure could become emergencies if left too long or the individual will have to suffer significant pain and difficulties in the long term.

I also feel that all screening programmes should be restarted straight away. It is essential to catch cancer early for the test results for treatment.

Other routine appointments could be started in phased but I feel that routine operations and screening programmes is a huge priority and will help to reduce the risk of significant ill health, pain and worry of lots of individuals.

Why the contribution is important

- Standard of life for individuals waiting for surgery.
- Cost to NHS if surgery is left too long and individuals are taken in as an emergency and require alternative treatment as a result.
-Cost to economy if individuals are unable to attend work or work from home due to disability or pain.
- Risk to life as cancer needs to be detected early.
- Reduce the pain, suffering and worry of individuals who are awaiting surgery.

by jellyscot on May 05, 2020 at 11:41PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.4
Based on: 19 votes

Comments

  • Posted by AMac May 06, 2020 at 06:20

    I agree with this. Also you should be able to be seen face to face by a GP for concerns that aren’t classed as urgent. These may require referral to specialist clinicians. I fear for the backlog of issues and bad health outcomes for people if these practices and services are not fully restarted in the short term.

  • Posted by Nowim43 May 06, 2020 at 07:07

    We have 5 patients in hospital for COVID today in Dumfries & galloway - that doesn’t seem sufficient to justify all the negative effects that the poster outlined above of not restarting routine ops and screening.

  • Posted by Rainbowbright May 06, 2020 at 08:06

    We are all focussed on direct covid deaths but what about all the deaths that will occur indirectly through cancelled procedures, cancer screening, treatment, long term condition management and people being afraid to go to the GP or A&E because they assume if it isn't covid it isn't important. This fills me with dread. The mortality rate of covid is not high but the mortality rate of procedures that have been stopped is. Look at the bigger picture. In addition to the physical health issues there is also the massive impact of social isolation on mental health.

  • Posted by BiggGrumperz May 06, 2020 at 08:15

    Agreed. But this same idea has already been raised severally already.

  • Posted by Radonc May 06, 2020 at 08:43

    Catching cancer early is so important we need to restart the processes. Ideas include

    Having green hispitals ie golden Jubilee/ Ayr/ Stobhill etc which are covid free zones.

    Screening requires lab support so SMEs hit by crisis could be suported to repurpose.

    Or Universities ( also hit financially) could be funded to host/staff the screening ( under proper Regulations/).
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