NHS Grampian says hospitals 'remain extremely pressured' after critical incident declared

A Scottish health board says the situation at hospitals in the region “remains extremely pressured”, after ambulance patients were diverted to hospitals outside the area and elective procedures were postponed.

NHS Grampian declared a “critical incident” on Friday due to the “volume of acutely ill patients” and “staffing pressures”.

As a result, ambulance patients who did not require life-saving treatment were taken to hospitals outside the NHS Grampian area, while people with relatives due for discharge were asked to attend the hospital before midday so that beds could be prepared for other patients.

It comes as Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin suspended non-essential visits on Sunday after more than 50 patients and staff were affected by an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting.

As a result, three wards have been closed to new admissions “to protect patients, family members and staff until the situation is resolved”.

Duty manager at DGH, Louise Pearson said: “Wards 5, 6 and 7 are currently closed to new admissions as a result of the outbreak, but we have taken the difficult decision to suspend non-essential visiting across the entire hospital in an effort to prevent any further spread.

“We understand the vital support that family and friends provide and are sorry for how this will affect you.”

North East & Tayside

Hospital suspends visiting and closes wards after vomiting outbreak

More than 50 patients and staff have been affected at Dr Gray’s hospital in Elgin.

NHS Grampian has since revealed that Aberdeen Royal Infirmary has been operating above capacity since September 8, while Dr Gray’s in Elgin has not been under capacity since September 7.

A spokesperson for NHS Grampian said: “The situation at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, 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 do our utmost to plan and prepare for surges in demand, including the added pressures of winter, however circumstances can prove very challenging.

“We acknowledge the extra pressure these situations place upon our frontline staff and we’d once again thank them for their incredible efforts at this time.”

NHS Grampian added that there has been a delay in discharges across the region, with 199 occurring on Thursday aline – accounting for 13% of all beds in the region.

The health board said it has seen a 26% rise in patients who have experienced a delayed discharge in the area since the start of 2024.

The spokesperson added: “The general public can continue to 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.”