NHS Grampian ends ‘critical incident’ but situation at Dr Gray’s Hospital and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary remains ‘pressured’
A north health board has ended a ‘level critical’ incident that was seeing ambulances diverted out of the area.
High demand at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary saw NHS Grampian declare a critical incident last week - but that has now ended.
Chief executive Adam Coldwells said this is down to the “hard work” of colleagues and partners, but admitted the situation remains “extremely pressured”.
“We are no longer diverting ambulances away from Grampian,” he said.
“Thanks to the hard work of our colleagues and our partner agencies, we have reached a point where we have been able to stand down the board level critical incident.
"I must thank the colleagues right across health and social care, who have been working tirelessly to keep things moving through this complex and challenging situation.”
During the critical incident, a number of ambulance patients were diverted away NHS Grampian. Any patients that required life-saving treatment continued to be admitted to Dr Gray’s or Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Dr Coldwells added: “We would like to thank our colleagues at neighbouring boards and the Scottish Ambulance Service for their exceptional support and assistance.”
A small number of elective procedures were postponed and these will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to apologise to anyone who has been affected by changes, during this time,” he added.
“These sudden changes can be difficult. Although we are in a better position, pressure across our health care system remains at sustained and historically high levels.
“The situation at ARI, Dr Gray’s Hospital, and in community settings across Grampian, remains extremely pressured, due to the volume of acutely ill patients, delayed discharges, capacity in community healthcare settings and staffing pressures.”
Over the last week the average occupancy at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary has been 111 per cent. The hospital has not been under 100 per cent since September 8.
At Dr Gray’s, in Elgin, it has been at an average of 124 per cent over the last week. The hospital has not been under 100% per cent since September 7.
“We have also seen an increase in delayed discharges across the north-east,” Dr Coldwells added.
“On Thursday we had 199 delayed discharges across our system – accounting for 13 per cent of all beds in the region.
“Since January 1, 2024, we have seen a 26 per cent rise in patients whose discharge has been delayed across the region.
"The general public can continue to 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.”
NHS Grampian will now enter a recovery phase, which will include a review. An update will be given to the NHS Grampian board at a meeting on December 12.
