NHS Grampian faces crisis as ambulance patients diverted amid hospital pressure

In Scotland, NHS Grampian has declared a critical incident in response to ongoing pressures at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI), its largest hospital. This decision stems from sustained high demand for healthcare services, which has forced the health board to take drastic measures to ensure patient care. As part of this critical incident declaration, some patients arriving by ambulance will now be diverted to hospitals outside the local area when it is clinically appropriate to do so. The focus will remain on those requiring immediate life-saving treatment, which will continue to be provided at ARI. The health board's chief executive, Adam Coldwells, indicated that while there will be cancellations of some elective procedures and appointments, essential services such as cancer treatment and diagnostic tests will proceed as scheduled. The board's priority is to resume normal operations as soon as feasible, emphasizing that patients already waiting for assessment will not be sent elsewhere. The situation has also prompted NHS Grampian to collaborate with health and social care partners to boost bed capacity to meet rising demand across the Grampian region. This critical incident reflects broader challenges facing healthcare systems in the UK, where increasing patient loads and resource shortages have prompted high levels of pressure on hospitals. As the winter months approach, healthcare providers are gearing up for a potential surge in demand, further complicating the ability to manage patient care effectively. The steps taken by NHS Grampian provide a temporary solution aimed at managing current challenges while ensuring that those with the highest clinical needs receive the necessary treatment.