NHS Grampian warning as acute illness levels rise in the north-east
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Hospitals across Grampian are facing “extreme pressure” and the public is being urged to “play their part” in assisting staff and critically ill patients.
Executive nurse director June Brown said: “Unfortunately, due to a higher number of acutely ill patients arriving at our hospitals and increased staffing pressures, our Emergency Departments, at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Dr Gray’s Hospital, are currently facing extreme pressure.
“We need the public to help us by only attending at Emergency Departments if the situation is life-threatening – for example a suspected heart attack or stroke - in which case they should call 999 immediately.
“Everyone else can support our medics, and help us treat those needing life-saving care as quickly as possible, by calling NHS 24 on 111.
“We would reassure the public that cases are being triaged as normal, with those facing life-threatening situations – such as heart attacks or strokes – continuing to be seen rapidly for life-saving treatment, as an absolute priority.”
Portfolio lead for unscheduled care and medicine, Sandra MacLeod added: “Anyone who is not facing a life-threatening situation may well be redirected to another NHS service or face extremely long waits”.
She said: “Our staff continue to work incredibly hard, under these continued pressures, and we would once again like to publicly say ‘thank you’ to them.
"They continue to be nothing short of heroic each and every day.
“We’d also thank the public for their continued support and patience at this extremely difficult time – we really do need you to play your part in supporting us now more than ever.”
