The latest NHS Lothian board papers warn its “total capacity will be under significant strain throughout April and probably beyond” (link).
The papers reveal the estimated cost of dealing with coronavirus for the board and local social care alliances is £80m, but that figure was of 17 March.
Officers from the Royal Marines and British Army are supporting the health board’s executive team as well, it is revealed.
The papers also show that urgent cardiac surgery is now being carried out at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Clydebank.
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “It is very concerning that NHS Lothian is going to be under such significant strain over the next few months.
“NHS Lothian were already facing significant challenges in delivering service before the Coronavirus outbreak and are now facing even greater challenges.
“It’s welcome during these difficult times that our NHS can call on the help of our UK armed forces.
“The Scottish Government and NHS Lothian must work together during this crisis to support NHS staff to provide the best possible patient care at this extremely challenging time.”
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