NHS Grampian declares critical incident due to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary’s high demand
“Deep concerns” have been raised after a health board declared a “critical incident” due to high demand.
NHS Grampian confirmed that some ambulance patients will have to be taken to hospitals outwith the region due to the strain being put on services at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
A number of procedures and appointments will be cancelled - although the health board were quick to point out that cancer treatment and diagnostic tests would not be affected.
Chief executive Adam Coldwells said: “We have taken this significant step in light of sustained and continuing pressure at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
“Patients requiring immediate life-saving care will still be dealt with at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
“However, we are working with colleagues in neighbouring boards, and in the Scottish Ambulance Service, to divert other patients, where clinically appropriate, to alternative hospitals.
“Those already waiting at ARI will remain for assessment, and admission if required. As always, those with the greatest clinical need will be prioritised. We aim to resume business as usual as soon as possible.
"We will be postponing some elective procedures and appointments. This will not include cancer treatment or diagnostic tests.”
Highlands and Islands MSP and former Moray MP Douglas Ross says he is “deeply concerned” by the news and worries of the “serious knock-on effects” for patients in Moray.
He said: “I am deeply concerned that NHS Grampian have had to take this measure.
“While it has been taken in relation to the pressures on the board’s biggest hospital in Aberdeen, this will undoubtedly have serious knock-on effects for patients in Moray.
“Many of the patients I represent are already diverted to Aberdeen for procedures and treatment.
“The worry for them now will be that ARI will simply be unable to cope with the demand on them, especially with winter upon us.
“The decision points to yet another winter crisis across our hospitals and the buck stops firmly with the SNP.
“Their dire workforce planning and years of underinvestment have left our frontline services dangerously understaffed and pushed beyond breaking point.
“It is suffering patients and the dedicated staff at Dr Gray’s, ARI and other hospitals who will pay a heavy price if urgent action isn’t taken to alleviate the pressures within our local NHS services.”
Adam Coldwells added: “We are very sorry to anyone who will be inconvenienced.
“We want to reassure people with cancelled appointments they will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
"These options will assist us in the short term; we continue to work with our health and social care partnership colleagues to increase bed capacity to manage current demand across Grampian.
"The general public can help us by meeting friends or relatives due for discharge promptly - before midday if possible - so we can prepare the bed for another patient.
“Using NHS Inform to guide their self-care, or speaking to their GP practice, community pharmacy, or NHS 24 on 111 if they need further advice is also strongly encouraged."
