80 operations cancelled daily over bed shortages

MORE THAN 80 operations and other scheduled procedures are cancelled every day in hospitals around the country because of shortages of beds and staff, according to health experts.

Latest figures from the Health Service Executive (HSE) reveal that in the six-month period from January to June this year, elective surgical, medical or diagnostic treatments scheduled by appointment were postponed at least 10,368 times in hospitals around the country.

Last night, consultants claimed they expected postponement levels to be higher due to pressure on A&E wards and staff shortages in hospitals.