NHS Grampian ends critical incident at hospital

NHS Grampian has stood down a critical incident that saw some ambulance patients diverted to hospitals outside its area.

The board said it had to take the "significant step" on Thursday after sustained and continuing demands on Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI).

Health chiefs said the hospital had now entered a “recovery phase" and there would be a review of the incident.

Patients had been diverted to Dundee and Elgin where "clinically appropriate", although life-saving care was still delivered at ARI.

NHS Grampian chief executive Adam Coldwells thanked health and social care staff for working tirelessly during a "challenging situation".

He added: “I’d like to take this opportunity to apologise to anyone who has been affected by changes during this time.

“These sudden changes can be difficult. Although we are in a better position, pressure across our health care system remains at sustained and historically high levels."

NHS Grampian said in the last week average occupancy at ARI was 111%. The hospital has not been under 100% occupancy since September.

At Dr Gray’s in Elgin, it has been at 124% and has also not been under 100% since September.

The critical incident led to some elective procedures and appointments being postponed, but not for cancer treatment and diagnostic tests.

BMA Scotland said it was "extremely concerned" by the timing of incident, ahead of the busy winter season.

Chairman Dr Iain Kennedy said: "It's right up there as a major warning light of the ongoing crisis in the NHS in Scotland."

NHS Grampian has faced severe pressure with staffing problems and multi-million pound overspends.

There have also been serious issues with ambulances forced to queue outside ARI.

Last month, the health board announced plans to reduce the number of ambulances waiting outside the hospital.