Two NHS Grampian hospitals at capacity as third Covid-19 wave hits

Two of NHS Grampian's hospitals have been at capacity for days amid a third wave of coronavirus according to the health boards's medical director.

Aberdeen Royal infirmary and Elgin's Dr Gray's entered 'code back' meaning they are at capacity as pressure mounts on their vital health services. 

NHS Grampian have been forced to cancel procedures and appointments to free up staff to move elsewhere. 

There were 3,799 new positive cases across Scotland with 387 in hospital - an increase of 41 on the previous day. 

Medical director 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.

Dr Gray's in Elgin's also been busy due to the rising number in Covid-19 cases

“I know it is distressing for people to have procedures or appointments postponed, sometimes at very short notice.

“I apologise to anyone who has been affected by this. We will work to reschedule these but we cannot offer any guarantees at present about when this might happen.”

A plea for help from the health board's been issued to the public with chief executive Caroline Hiscox urging people in the north-east to continue following Covid rules.

She said: “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.”