Scots NHS health board declares 'critical incident' as ambulances diverted to other regions

Get the latest Daily Record breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp

A Scots health board has been forced to send sick emergency patients outwith their region this evening as they deal with a 'critical incident'.

Ambulances have been told to take patients outside of the area due to "extreme pressure" on Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

NHS Grampian were plunged into crisis as bosses admitted they were unable to cope with the surging demand.

Health chiefs alerted the public to the major alert earlier this evening. The shock statement also revealed they were unable to carry out elective procedures and appointments, with cancer treatment and diagnostic tests prioritised.

A statement read: "Ambulance patients to be taken outside of Grampian due to extreme pressure on Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

"NHS Grampian has today (Thursday) declared a board critical incident. This is due to very high demand on our services and those of our partner agencies."

Chief executive, Adam Coldwells said: “We have taken this significant step in light of sustained and continuing pressure at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

“Patients requiring immediate life-saving care will still be dealt with at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, however we are working with colleagues in neighbouring boards, and in the Scottish Ambulance Service, to divert other patients, where clinically appropriate, to alternative hospitals.

“Those already waiting at ARI will remain for assessment, and admission if required. As always, those with the greatest clinical need will be prioritised. We aim to resume business as usual as soon as possible.

Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!

Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.

You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.

All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!

If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.

To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

"We will be postponing some elective procedures and appointments; this will NOT include cancer treatment or diagnostic tests. We are very sorry to anyone who will be inconvenienced; we want to reassure them they will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

"These options will assist us in the short term; we continue to work with our health & social care partnership colleagues to increase bed capacity to manage current demand across Grampian.

"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."

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.