Raigmore Hospital among the busiest as NHS Highland acute services pressured by high admissions
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Acute services in the NHS Highland area remain “very busy” after recent admissions – with Raigmore Hospital in Inverness facing particular pressure of numbers.
The health authority says a significant number of frail and unwell patients have been admitted to sites across the region over the past few weeks.
While some of the admissions are Covid-related, a significant number are from other illnesses and conditions.
NHS Highland is working to ensure patients who can complete their recovery and be cared for at home are helped to do so.
Dr Duncan Scott, consultant physician and clinical director for medicine with NHS Highland, said: “We are doing everything we can to effectively treat our patients appropriately and compassionately.
“Some, particularly those who have difficulty getting back to their normal level of health, will need more time in hospital or other care settings.
“The length of time a patient is in hospital can be reduced if they can be supported at home and we are working hard to increase care at home capacity. We are grateful to those who provide support to relatives at home.”
With acute hospitals in NHS Highland being so busy, other facilities within the organisation are being used to help ease some of the pressure.
Dr Scott added: “We are using all of our healthcare bed resources to allow us to care for patients.
“For some patients this may mean that they may receive their care a bit further from home than usual as patients who are recuperating are moved away from an acute setting to a more appropriate community based facility.
“Members of the public can also help us in ensuring that they are accessing the right service at the right time.
“It can often be difficult to make the right decision about where to seek help, this is even harder in the current pandemic, but there are a number of services that can help support you and advise you where to find more support if necessary.”
Telephone advice is available from NHS 24, while GP practices can provide advice on managing acute illness or long-term conditions.
Community pharmacies and minor injury units are there to help with minor illness or injury, and our emergency departments and the emergency ambulance service are there for the most severe illness and injury.
Dr Emma Watson, deputy medical director (acute) for NHS Highland, said: “The current lockdown has led some people not to seek help but those with new symptoms or worsening symptoms of illness should seek advice.
“But please consider which service is best for you as this may help us provide the best service to the population of Highland.
“Our staff are working incredibly hard to provide the best care possible to all those who are unwell and we thank you for your understanding during this time of high demand on our health care system.”
