Public role in weathering at-capacity Raigmore Code Black storm emphasised by Ross MSP as non-urgent surgery put on hold
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A ROSS-SHIRE MSP who is also in charge of public health for the Scottish Government has called on the public to play its part helping stretched services weather a fresh storm.
Maree Todd made her appeal as the Scottish Government was being challenged to help the NHS in the Highlands.
People in the county are being urged to play their part as "unprecedented" pressure prompted a Code Black alert at Raigmore Hospital.
With the Highlands' main hospital at capacity, a rise in Covid-19 cases and health staff depleted by those self-isolating and on summer leave have combined with other factors to create a major new challenge.
Non-urgent surgery has been cancelled to help get through the crisis.
People are also being asked to protect “the most vulnerable”with the virus now back in some care homes.
A spokeswoman for NHS Highland said: “We have reached capacity in the hospital, we have long waits in our Emergency Department and we know people requiring urgent care will still need to come in for treatment. As a result, the hospital is currently at Code Black status. The impact on services is also being experienced across our community teams. Urgent work is taking place to ensure we can treat our patients appropriately and compassionately.”
She added: "All non-urgent elective surgery has been cancelled. Cancer and urgent cases will continue and we will also, where possible, carry on with orthopaedic and day case work. Not only will this help with the bed pressures but it will also reduce the pressure on those working in theatres at the moment.”
NHS Highland medical director Dr Boyd Peters said of the expected knock-on impact that the board is “very sorry that we have had to do this”, adding that the public now has a vital role to play in stemming the spread of the Delta strain of the virus.
He said: “Covid is on the increase again but what is different this time is that we are seeing more medical and surgical activity at the same time. We also have a high number of staff having to self-isolate. If you are accessing services please be advised that your wait may be longer than expected. We are doing everything we can to minimise that but the pressure on the system is significant.”
Ross MSP and public health minister Maree Todd, herself currently self-isolating, said everyone has a part to play in keeping the virus in check.
The Public Health Minister, who represents Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said:“We are acutely aware of the pressure within NHS Highland and the Board have provided assurances that those of most clinical urgency, including vital cancer treatment, will continue during this challenging period.
“While the increase in NHS staff absences over recent weeks is significantly lower than previous phases of the pandemic, this reflects the overall increase in infection rates across the population - and it is a reminder that each of us needs to continue doing all we can to slow the spread of the virus.
“The remobilisation of the NHS is one of our number one priorities and we will publish a national recovery plan for the NHS within the first 100 days of the new government.The exceptional care that all NHS and social care staff have delivered throughout the pandemic and their efforts on testing and vaccinations are the bedrock on which we will build our recovery.”
Ross MP Jamie Stone said: "It is clear from our case numbers that the SNP do not have a grip on the pandemic in Scotland, nor on the recovery of our health services." He said the Code Black "is further proof that our health system is on the verge of breaking down".
He said: "If the situation continues to deteriorate, the Scottish Government must intervene without delay. An NHS recovery plan must also be prioritised if we are to get our health provision back on track."
The Scottish Government said the number of infections and hospitalisation will be considered as part of the next review of restrictions in a couple of weeks as it continues to work hard to get even more people vaccinated. It asks everyone to continue to follow vital health advice on social distancing, wearing masks and washing their hands.
Raigmore Code Black as hospital hits capacity amid 'unprecedented' demand
