iStockNHS Grampian has appealed for public help amid “extreme pressure” on Aberdeen Royal Infirmary’s emergency department.
In a statement posted on Twitter on Thursday, the health board pleaded with members of the public to seek initial guidance from NHS 24 or by calling 111 before attending the hospital’s emergency department.
With a caveat for life-threatening illnesses, NHS Grampian warned that people may be redirected or face extremely long waits if they attend the hospital’s A&E department unnecessarily.
Those suffering from life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks or strokes will continue 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.
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary’s emergency department alone dealt with more than 300 patients over two days at the beginning of June, with upwards of 220 attendances classed as “major”.
The post read: “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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