The number of operations which were put off by NHS Grampian increased at the start of this year.
In January 84 procedures at the health board were postponed due to a combination of capacity or non-clinical reasons, up from the 74 cancellations recorded in December 2016.
Earlier this month it was revealed NHS Grampian had to put off more than 900 operations over the course of 2016 due to a lack of beds, staff and clean equipment.
The removal of off-contract agency staff by the health board – who are often paid higher rates – combined with significant vacancies, resulted in the decision to put off operations.
A spokeswoman for the health board said: “Postponing an operation is always a last resort and we apologise to those patients who are affected.
“Their safety is our top priority.
It is essential that we have in place the appropriate staff prior to performing a procedure.”
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