And NHS Dumfries and Galloway chief executive Jeff Ace, pictured, has warned that services locally are operating ‘beyond capacity’.
He said: “The last few days have been exceptionally difficult for hospital and community services across Dumfries and Galloway.
“Due to continued high admissions and ongoing difficulties with discharge home, all of our sites are operating beyond capacity and staff are trying to manage far more patients than would normally be considered appropriate for safe and high quality care.”
Health bosses are desperate to free up beds and have reviewed all patients to see who can be safely discharged, with 139 earmarked as potentials.
However, Mr Ace says they need the public’s help now and through the winter, adding: “If you have a friend or loved one who is in this position, it is possible that our teams will be in touch with you to see what support you can provide to assist these individuals at home following their discharge from hospital.
“All assistance will be very gratefully received. We are grateful for the huge support that is already being provided by families, carers, and voluntary organisations throughout the region.
“How well we manage through this winter will be a test not just of individual organisations, but how we all continue to pull together as a community to support our most vulnerable people.”
He also stressed the need for people to only attend emergency departments with genuine care needs.
The CEO added: “These are difficult times within health and social care, and it is unlikely that we will see an early easing of this pressure, which is unprecedented – even in comparison with the worst waves of the covid pandemic.
“We will continue to do our best to provide safe and high quality care to those most in need and we appreciate your ongoing support.”
