NINE hospital departments are operating with "high risk" staffing levels in NHS Lanarkshire, figures show.

 

A report shows that A&E services at Monklands, Hairmyres and Wishaw General are on the critical list for cover.

Care of the elderly at all three hospitals was also red flagged in the health board report.

Orthopaedics at Hairmyres and Wishaw are listed as 'high risk" as well as general surgery at Monklands in Airdrie.

A number of services have also had the risk rating upgraded because they are not meeting the needs of the service, even with full staffing cover, including elderly care and orthopaedics.

Other areas which were listed as "medium" risk were anaesthetics and ear, nose and throat services.

The neonatal service at Wishaw General was also listed as "medium" risk with sickness absence amongst the highest in hospital departments.

An independant report was carried out to look at the service after concerns were raised about staffing following the deaths of three babies.

The report concluded that staffing did not contribute to the deaths but said that sickness absence during the reviewed period was "undoubtedly a significant pressure."

Figures show that there were 34 vacancies across four specialties on February 28. The highest number was in care of the elderly.