Dr Gray's Hospital at 'black' status as Covid-19 third wave impacts NHS Grampian health services
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DR GRAY’S Hospital has been at "black" status in recent days, says NHS Grampian, meaning it is at capacity and non-urgent operations are being postponed.
Pressure is mounting on health and social care services throughout the region as a third Covid-19 wave sees cases climb across the north-east.
The health board says there has been a steady increase in the number of people with the virus requiring hospital care.
The growing number of cases and contacts also means higher NHS staff absences due to self-isolation.
NHS Grampian medical director Professor Nick Fluck said: "This is a dynamic situation, subject to change throughout each day.
"I can confirm that both Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Dr Gray’s Hospital have been at black status (i.e. at capacity) in recent days.
"Choosing to cancel procedures or appointments is never a decision we take lightly. However, it is our only option if we are to relieve some of the pressure and allow staff to concentrate on the most urgent and emergency care."
Chief executive Professor Caroline Hiscox added: "While we have not moved into full civil contingency mode as we did at the start of the pandemic, we have ‘stood up’ certain measures to allow us to closely monitor activity right across the region.
"This allows us to quickly identify particular stress points and take action to relieve them.
"I cannot thank our staff enough for the work they are undertaking, especially in light of the very difficult experience of the last 16 months."
Executive nurse director Dr June Brown said the impact of the third wave was being felt at every level of healthcare.
She added: "Our GP colleagues and those working in community hospitals are also working at capacity.
"Our close working relationship with the three local health and social care partnerships has enabled us to support each other and take the right decisions for healthcare as a whole in Grampian."
