Dumfries Infirmary emergency services operating ‘beyond capacity’

The warning comes against a backdrop of similar issues being faced by health boards across the country.

BBC Scotland News understands senior doctors working at a Glasgow hospital asked for a “major incident” to be called this week but had their request declined.

NHS Grampian declared a “critical incident” for a sort period last week because Aberdeen Royal Infirmary was full.

Dr Pete Armstrong, a consultant at the emergency department at DGRI, said his hospital was also facing intense pressure.

“In one average day at DGRI we might be seeing 130 people arrive at the emergency department – which is a really high number, and sees us operating beyond capacity in order to meet that need,” he said.

He said that could have an impact on the length of time people needed to wait and how services might have to adapt.

The health board has put adverts on social media reminding everyone that the emergency department is for life-threatening emergencies only.

Among the examples given of such situations are a heart attack, stroke, collapse or a badly broken bone.

It said that for everything else people were advised to visit the NHS Inform website, contact NHS24 or their local pharmacy or medical practice.