NHS Highland's 'big ask' to 'help ensure we are able to provide life-saving care'
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Pressure at Raigmore Hospital remains high with significant numbers of patients having been admitted over the past few days.
The hospital in Inverness continues to receive high numbers of trauma patients and flu cases remain significantly higher for this time of year which is putting further strain on an already pressurised system.
It comes after the health board made a rare move to appeal to staff on holiday on Hogmanay to come to work today, if able, due to the situation.
A spokesman for the health board said: "Support from across all areas of health and social care is being used and all available escalation is in place.
"We are continuing to take measures to reduce these pressures, including opening additional beds, early discharge if appropriate, and transferring less acutely unwell patients to community hospitals outside of the Inverness area."
Kate Patience-Quate, NHS Highland’s interim board nurse director, said: “We are continuing to experience significant pressures on our health and social care system. These measures will allow us to continue to admit seriously ill people and we are appealing for your continued support to help us meet these challenges.
“If you need urgent care that is not life-threatening, call NHS 24 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.
“We are also appealing to families and loved ones of patients who are able to be discharged to provide support in the interim while care arrangements are being established. We recognise this is a big ask, especially at this time of year, but it will help ensure we are able to provide life-saving care by helping to improve flow through our hospitals while the health and social care system is facing significant pressure.”
