Health chiefs in Ayrshire have admitted they are struggling to replace a top surgeon who is set to leave this month.
Medics discovered the gran-of-six has a 10cm hernia which has left a 4cm hole in her diaphragm and left her unable to eat.Ayrshire Live can now reveal that the type of specialist surgery Kathy requires has been put on hold due to a staffing crisis within the health board. Dr Crawford McGuffie NHS Ayrshire & Arran's medical director has now admitted that the health board has been able to secure an immediate replacement for the specialised role.
"Within NHS Ayrshire & Arran, bariatric surgery is performed by a single consultant surgeon who has indicated an intention to leave the organisation by the end of March. South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said: “This is a shocking case and my thoughts are very much with Kathy and her family.