NHS Grampian warn hospitals are under 'extreme pressure'
Emergency departments have struggled to reach the four hour target since the pandemic
NHS Grampian are warning that emergency departments at both Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Dr Gray's Hospital are facing "extreme pressure".
The latest figures published by Public Health Scotland show that, across the Grampian health board, only 64% of patients in the emergency department were seen to within the Scottish Governments four hour target.
Commenting via Twitter, Executive nurse director June Brown said: "Unfortunately, due to a high number of acutely ill patients arriving at our hospitals, increased staffing pressures, our Emergency Departments, at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary & 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 life-saving treatment 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.
"Our staff continue to work very hard and we would like to publicly say ‘thank you’ to them.
"They continue to be nothing short of heroic each and every day.
"I'd also thank the public for their continued support and patience."