Ambulances are no longer being diverted from Grampian hospitals, but the health board remains in a “critical” situation.
NHS Grampian bosses were forced to declare a critical incident on Thursday due to the level of demand on services and “extreme pressure” facing Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Ambulance patients not requiring life-saving treatment were taken to hospitals outside the area overnight, and elective procedures were postponed.
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary has been operating at an average occupancy of 111% over the last week, with bosses saying the hospital has not been under 100% capacity since September 8.
Dr Gray’s in Elgin has averaged 124% throughout the week and hasn’t been under 100% occupancy since September 7.
Delayed discharges, capacity in community healthcare settings and staffing pressures have been cited as reasons for the rise in patient numbers.
Chief executive, Adam Coldwells said: “Thanks to the hard work of our staff and our partner agencies, the situation at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary has improved slightly overnight.
“We remain in a board level critical incident, however we are no longer diverting ambulances away from Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
“Patients from west of Elgin, who require an ambulance, will continue to be taken to Raigmore Hospital, in Inverness, to alleviate pressures on Dr Gray’s Hospital.
“A small number of patients were diverted away from the Grampian area during the period it was in place and we’d like to thank our colleagues at neighbouring boards and the Scottish Ambulance Service for their assistance.
“Throughout this situation, any patients requiring life-saving treatment – for example, following a stroke or heart attack – have continued to be admitted via ambulance to our hospitals.
“A small number of elective procedures have been postponed as a result of the critical incident, and these will be rescheduled as soon as possible. If any further individuals are affected going forward, we will contact them directly.
“The situation at ARI, Dr Gray’s Hospital, and in community settings across Grampian, remains extremely pressured, due to the volume of acutely ill patients, delayed discharges, capacity in community healthcare settings and staffing pressures.
“We have seen an increase in delayed discharges across the north-east. Yesterday (Nov 28), we had 199 delayed discharges across our system – accounting for 13% of all beds in the region.
“Since January 1, 2024, we have seen a 26% rise in patients whose discharge has been delayed across the region.
“The general public can help us by meeting friends or relatives due for discharge promptly – before midday if possible -so we can prepare the bed for another patient. Using NHS Inform to guide their self-care, or speaking to their GP practice, community pharmacy, or NHS 24 on 111 if they need further advice is also strongly encouraged.”
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