Raigmore Hospital in Inverness cancels operations to deal with emergencies
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NHS Highland is warning the public that a high number of trauma cases is putting further strain on an already pressurised system at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
In an unusual move, the health board issued a statement on social media at 9.10pm today then alerted media outlets 14 minutes later in a bid for help to reach as many people as possible.
NHS Highland stated pressure at the region's largest hospital remains high with significant numbers of patients having been admitted over the past few days and very few able to be discharged.
A spokesman for NHS Highland stated: "We have seen a higher number of trauma cases coming into the hospital putting further strain on an already pressurised system.
"Support from across all areas of the organisation is being used and all available escalation is in place."
Dr Boyd Peters, medical director for NHS Highland, said: “We are currently very busy, with lots of people needing our services.
"Our operational planning and the extra efforts of our staff in all our hospitals and community services has ensured that we have been able to respond to these pressures. Unfortunately, a number of planned operations have had to be cancelled to allow for emergency admissions.
"I am very sorry that this has been necessary and I'd [like] to thank patients and their families for their understanding and co-operation at this very difficult time. I sincerely hope we will see these pressures ease soon.”
The spokesman added: "To help us further we would ask the public for your support in ensuring that if you do need medical care you use the most appropriate services. If you need urgent care that is not life-threatening, call NHS24 on 111. NHS 24 will direct you to the most appropriate care, which might be a minor injuries unit, phone or virtual appointment, pharmacy or A&E."
