THE ARMY has been drafted in to help "under pressure" hospitals across Lanarkshire.

A total of 63 military personnel will be deplyoyed including three nurses, 45 military medis, 12 general duties troops and three drivers who will be working across all three hospital sites. 

They will arrive from Tuesday and will stay until November 10, but this will regularly be reviewed.

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Humza Yousaf requested the military’s assistance due to staff shortages at NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Borders, in a bid to cut escalating waiting times and improve patient care.

According to the Press Association, NHS Lanarkshire recorded their worst-ever compliance with the A&E waiting times target in August with 32.5% waiting longer than four hours to be seen.

It was also one of the worst performing health boards in Scotland according to Public Health Scotland data.

NHS Lanarkshire is experiencing significant pressure at the moment as a result of Covid-19 admissions and a backlog of care that has built up throughout the pandemic.

Staff shortages due to Covid are affecting bed capacity. The health board has welcomed support from the military in the run up to the busy winter period.

Judith Park, Director of Acute Services said: “Staff shortages because of COVID-19 are affecting bed capacity and the approval of temporary military assistance on our hospital sites is very welcome over the next few weeks as we begin to see winter illnesses circulate alongside Covid adding to the pressures we face.

“This military support will allow to support our staff and patients and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff for their continuing hard work and dedication over this particularly busy time.”

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “In the NHS Lanarkshire area, staff shortages because of Covid-19 are affecting bed capacity and temporary military assistance has been requested to support the boards at this time.

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“With increasing levels of social mixing and close social contact, it is expected that this winter Covid-19 will circulate alongside respiratory viruses, such as flu, adding to the winter pressures usually faced by the NHS.

“This military support will allow both boards to support existing staff to reduce waiting times, enhance care and provide a better experience for our patients.

“As always I would like to thank all those involved in our healthcare systems for their continuing hard work and dedication over this particularly busy time.”