NHS Grampian prepared for 'major incident' within days due to Covid
NHS Grampian are prepping to declare a 'major incident' amid pressure for Covid-19
Last updated 7th Jan 2022
NHS Grampian could be set to declare a 'major incident' within a number of days as Covid pressure continues to build.
A new report from public health Scotland says from late December to early January 60% of acute admissions to NHS Grampian hospitals were because of Covid-19.
In an internal memo staff were reportedly told to expect measures to last around 30 days, with a major incident plan to be made available next week.
This comes as the request extra military assistance begins to arrive in the region.
"We have seen exponential growth of case numbers in Grampian and Scotland in the past fortnight. Based on our modelling data, we anticipate a continued and significant growth in the levels of the disease placing even more significant pressure on care homes, primary care teams, community teams and hospitals.
"Our planned response will include a declaration of a major incident when a number of key trigger points are reached. This decision will be taken by our Strategic and Tactical Commanders based on the system pressures, number of covid patients in hospital and levels of staff sickness from covid.
"Looking at our local data, these triggers could be met as early as the end of next week.
"We are currently planning what this means for staff, patients and services in Grampian.
"Thank you to the public and of course our incredible staff for everything you are doing during the most challenging of times - our collective actions make all the difference."
Commenting on the findings on Twitter, Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said:
"Worryingly, in latest week of data 31% increase in new admissions, with those aged 80+ having highest number of admissions. In the last week approx 44% of hospital admissions related to patients aged 60+.
"We are not powerless, get vaccinated, test regularly & follow guidance."
NHS Scotland say major incidents are defined as "Any emergency that requires implementation of special arrangements by one or more of the emergency services, the NHS or local authority."