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

Exterior view of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
-Credit: (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)


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.

READ MORE: 'I'm homeless in Scotland and this is what my life on the streets looks like'

READ MORE: Scots carer repeatedly shook baby leaving him with 11 fractured bones 

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.

"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.