NHS Grampian urge the public to "stay safe" this weekend
A rise in admissions coupled with staff shortages means services are strained - so the health board are urging the North East public to avoid unnecessary A&E visits this weekend.
Frontline health staff across the North-East have urged members of the public not to end up in their local Emergency Department – as Covid-19 cases continue to heap pressure on the health service in the region.
For many in the region this weekend is extended, with a holiday Monday, and Emergency Department staff historically see a rise in presentations of trauma injuries with an increase in traffic accidents and people undertaking activities that put them at risk of serious injury.
With Elgin's Dr Gray's continuing to experience heavy demand – due to staffing pressures and increased patient admissions – medics are urging the public to play their part in helping the hospital run as safely as possible.
Residents have also been reminded that, unless life-threatening, they should call 111 and not head straight to hospital.
“Every year during the summer months we see a rise in admissions to the Emergency Department – from people drinking excessive amounts of alcohol; to those injured in road traffic accidents; to those who take part in other risky activities, like tombstoning,” consultant Donna Paterson said.
“Ultimately our message is go out, stick to the guidelines, have fun and please be safe and look after each other.”
The emergency department medic added: “In the hospital the number of Covid-19 patients has started to climb – from five last Friday to 25 today. We also have a number of staff who are self-isolating and we still have less capacity due to guidelines; which are in place to keep patients and staff safe as we make efforts to get to patients waiting for procedures as quickly as we can, avoidable admissions impact our ability to do that.
“Every holiday week we expect to see a rise in those attending at the Emergency Department with potentially avoidable injuries and trauma. Ultimately that may affect our ability to admit and treat someone who unavoidably needs to come to hospital as well as we otherwise could have.
“We would also implore all road users to drive carefully, considerately and within the speed limit because if you have a serious accident, which could have been avoided, it impacts our ability to deal with others. Cyclists are at equal risk.
Division general manager for surgery, Cameron Matthew said that while people were at home it was equally important they took care while pursuing any hobbies or DIY activities.
She said: “We would also ask all DIY enthusiasts to think hard about safety before undertaking any work. Climbing ladders or small scaffolds to clear or paint guttering or windows, trimming bushes and trees are all popular DIY tasks at this time of year and result in a large number of hospital attendances.
“Use proper safety wear - gloves, ear and eye defenders, protective trousers, take your time do not rush, watch for trip hazards such as trailing cables, plan ahead, do not take on jobs for the first time.
“If you are returning to sport after a long break there is nothing wrong with taking it a bit more easy than usual as you build up your strength and fitness – for some people it will be a year since they last played sport.
“If you are having a few beers or glasses or wine, take responsibility and don’t binge drink. We also see cases of food poisoning from undercooked food from barbecues.
“We can all play our part in avoiding needless admissions by taking as much care as possible.”
Cameron added: “We’d like to say ‘thank you’ to members of the public for sticking with Covid-18 guidelines and helping support our staff and hospitals to this point.
“Please be sensible, be responsible for yourself and stay safe, the hospitals across the north – be it Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Dr Gray’s, Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital or any of our community hospitals – are exceptionally busy.
“We’d also like to thank our staff for their herculean efforts. Everyone of the thousands of people who work for NHS Grampian have gone above and beyond for well over a year now and continue to do so on a daily basis. Without each and every one of you more people would have had less positive outcomes or may not be alive at all. We truly couldn’t have asked for more from you.”