Health chiefs to consider reducing operations in Glasgow to save cash

Jun 16 2011

SURGICAL operations could be cut back in Glasgow in a move to save money.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, are to consider reducing the number of so-called low gain procedures.

These include tonsil and varicose vein ops.

The health board want to cut around £55 million from their budget and the plan will be considered on June 28.

A health board spokeswoman said: "This tough efficiency target can only be achieved by re-examining everything we do."

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said maintaining clinical "quality and effectiveness" must be central to any decisions made.

She insisted the health board were only considering "proposals " and not actual decisions.

Sturgeon said: "Many procedures done now would not have been contemplated years ago.

"There will also be debates about whether certain procedures can be done as day cases rather than as inpatients.

"But the key consideration will always be clinical quality and clinical effectiveness.

She added: "The health service is one of the only areas of Scottish Government spending that will see an increase in its budget this year and in future years.

"Any efficiency plans have to be judged against that key consideration of quality and we will make sure that that is the case."