Health bosses are urging people with non life-threatening conditions to stay away from Aberdeen Royal Infirmary’s A&E.
NHS Grampian has said the emergency department is under “extreme pressure” and is dealing with a “higher than usual” volume of acutely ill patients.
Bosses are asking people to phone NHS 24 before arriving at the hospital, and has warned others may be redirected or face extremely long waits.
In a social media post, the health board explained the emergency department at ARI is under “extreme pressure” as it deals with a “higher than usual” volume of acutely ill patients.
NHS Grampian is now urging members of the public to call 111 before going to the emergency department – unless the situation is life-threatening in which case they should call 999.
Those suffering from life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks or strokes are continuing to be treated as a priority by staff.
Earlier this month, the health board warned of long waits for anyone attending emergency departments and minor injury units across the region.
This was blamed on front-line staff facing extreme pressures due to a higher than usual volume of acutely ill patients, delayed discharges, and staffing pressures.
The post reads: “We would assure the public that cases are triaged with those facing life-threatening situations – such as heart attacks or strokes – continuing to be seen rapidly for life-saving treatment as an absolute priority.
“Anyone attending to the emergency department who is not facing a life-threatening situation may well be redirected to another NHS service or face extremely long waits.
“Our staff continue to work extremely hard under these pressures and we would once again like to publicly thank them for their incredible efforts.
“We’d also thank the public for their continued support and patience at this extremely difficult time.”
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