The nurses are carrying out minor procedures

The five "super-nurses" are carrying out minor operations, such as removing moles and fatty lumps.

They will be operating in units specialising in plastic surgery and dermatology at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Canniesburn Hospital.

NHS Greater Glasgow introduced the nurse practitioners in an effort to tackle waiting lists.

Patients are warned they will be treated by a nurse instead of a doctor, although a spokesperson said none had objected so far.

I have every confidence in their ability to provide a first class minor surgical procedures service John Scott Plastic surgeon

The team recently passed a degree-level course at Glasgow Caledonian University in minor surgery, which is said to be first course of its kind in Scotland.

Margaret Smith, director of nursing for North Glasgow Hospitals, said: "Nurse practitioners are already working in many different specialties.

"This training will not only unlock the potential of our nursing staff but patients will benefit through reduced waiting times. This is where we truly see the value of a quality-assured education process."

Plastic surgeon John Scott added: "All the nurses have excelled. I have every confidence in their ability to provide a first class minor surgical procedures service."