Orthopaedic surgeons at the Highlands’ flagship hospital have disputed information released by the health board following claims that patients could be transferred to the Central Belt for treatment.
The Press and Journal reported in December that NHS Highland was considering sending people to Ross Hall in Glasgow because of various pressures on the system in the north.
Chief executive Elaine Mead said orthopaedics was one of the departments affected and claimed the schedule was fully booked because of the absence of two of the regular 11 consultants.
However the 11 consultants have now signed a letter sent to the Press and Journal insisting this was “incorrect and consequently misleading”.
They said the planned leave had no impact on operating schedules because the other nine consultants “had already taken up all the slack, working flexibly as happens whenever consultants are absent for any reason”.
NHS Highland said the chief executive had met orthopaedic consultants and the head of service to apologise.
A spokeswoman said: “The paper reported accurately the comments attributed to the chief executive where it was explained that there were a number of contributory factors causing pressures for the department, including paternity and study leave for two of the orthopaedic consultants.
“What was not made clear was that other orthopaedic consultants were able to utilise vacant theatre capacity during this time.
“Elaine Mead, NHS Highland’s chief executive, has met with the two orthopaedic consultants and the head of service to explain more fully what was discussed at the board meeting and to apologise for any concern that there has been over this matter.
“Work is now being progressed to support the department to address any shortfall in capacity and agree plans for the future.”