Health board in ‘close contact’ with NHS Grampian over pressure on Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

NHS Shetland says it is in “close contact” with NHS Grampian after the health board said there was “extreme pressure” on Aberdeen Royal Infirmary through very high demand.

NHS Grampian said it was working with neighbouring health boards and the Scottish Ambulance Service to divert patients who do not require immediate life-saving care to alternative hospitals.

Patients requiring immediate life-saving care will still be dealt with at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

NHS Grampian is also postponing some elective procedures and appointments. This will not include cancer treatment or diagnostic tests.

Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is often used by Shetland patients needing treatment down south.

A spokesperson for NHS Shetland said: “If any patients need an emergency transfer to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary from Shetland, we will discuss the most appropriate place for admission with the receiving clinical team ahead of the transfer, which is usual practice.

“NHS Grampian will contact patients from the Northern Isles directly if they have a planned appointment in Aberdeen that needs to be changed or postponed.

“We will continue to work closely with NHS Grampian and if anything changes, we will provide further updates.”