NHS Grampian Declares Critical Incident Amid Pressure

Leicestershire and Rutland's health board is nearing a critical incident due to extreme pressure on its ambulance services, following a spike in emergency hospital visits primarily caused by respiratory illnesses and norovirus. Medical director Nilesh Sanganee warned that the East Midlands ambulance service is under unprecedented strain, prompting early winter interventions to alleviate pressures. Meanwhile, NHS Grampian has declared a critical incident, diverting non-life-threatening ambulance patients to other hospitals and postponing elective procedures, though life-saving care will still be provided at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Chief executive Adam Coldwells highlighted the ongoing high demand for services, exacerbated by recent weather conditions. Additionally, the University Hospital of North Midlands has declared a critical incident for the sixth time this year due to increased A&E admissions. These developments underscore the intense strain facing healthcare systems across the UK.