NHS Grampian declares critical incident as A&E services face extreme pressure

NHS Grampian declared a critical incident as its emergency departments at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary experience heightened demand. Shantini Paranjothy, the board’s executive director on call, cited a local public holiday, constrained hospital capacity, and community care pressures as drivers of a "challenging weekend." The board is coordinating with the Scottish Ambulance Service, NHS Tayside and NHS Highland, diverting ambulances only when essential to protect patient safety.

Paranjothy asked relatives of discharged patients to assist in freeing up beds promptly. The Scottish Conservatives, represented by MSP Liam Kerr, described the situation as "extremely worrying" and warned that ambulance diversions are reaching hundreds of miles. The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.