NHS Grampian urge public to only attend ARI in "life-threatening" situations
The health board has issued an appeal to the public this afternoon as its emergency department is under "sustained pressure".
NHS Grampian has appealed to the public to only attend ARI in life-threatening situations in a post on social media this afternoon.
The emergency department is said to be "extremely busy" with long waits expected.
Members of the public have been asked to only attend the emergency department if the situation is a threat to life - such as a suspected heart attack or stroke - in which case they should dial 999 immediately.
They have asked everyone else to use NHS 24 on 111 so that those needing life-saving care can be treated as quickly as possible.
The health board says its under "sustained pressure" due to the volume of acutely ill patients arriving, partnered with bed availability and staffing pressures.
A spokesperson for NHS Grampian said: “Ambulances having to wait at the front door is not what we aim for - for our patients and indeed our colleagues at SAS. We apologise to anyone who has been impacted by this.
"The reasons behind ambulance waits are challenging. At certain, often unpredictable points, we experience periods of exceptionally high demand at the Emergency Department.
“Our hospitals are currently facing sustained pressure due to the volume of acutely ill patients arriving, bed availability and staffing pressures. This can unfortunately lead to ambulances having to wait at the front door, as we are unable to admit more patients to the department.
“During periods of intense pressure, cases are triaged as normal with those facing life-threatening situations – such as heart attacks or strokes – continuing to be admitted rapidly for life-saving treatment as an absolute priority.
"The very nature of unscheduled care is it has peaks and troughs of activity. These vary hour-by-hour and day-by-day.”
MSP raises concerns in Holyrood
Last month, North East MSP Tess White challenged the First Minister at FMQ's over reports several ambulances were stacked up outside the hospital due to a backlog.
Humza Yousaf said the level of ambulance-stacking at ARI in particular is "not acceptable" adding he is "extremely concerned" about the reports.
The First Minister continued to promise he would ensure Health Secretary Neil Gray would update Ms White with the full details of conversations with NHS Grampian and the steps they are taking to improve the situation.