People needing emergency healthcare could be forced to make a 70-mile trip for treatment.
It emerged last week that the region’s health and social care system was facing “very significant pressure” after the Easter weekend, with escalation plans put in place at DGRI.
And the region’s other accident and emergency department at Galloway Community Hospital is also feeling the pressure – which could leave some people having to head along the A75 for help instead.
A health board spokesman said: “Currently, unexpected staffing pressures at Galloway Community Hospital are impacting the emergency department service delivery.
“This may affect the patient pathway, meaning that some people in Wigtownshire who come forward needing help will be taken in the first instance to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.
“For this reason, and as is always the case, people requiring urgent medical help should first phone 999.
“Anyone within the region requiring medical treatment should not hesitate to seek help.”
The spokesman added that work was taking place to ensure the contingency arrangements were “in place for as short a time as possible”.
At the end of last week the health and social care partnership’s chief officer, Julie White, warned of the extreme difficulties facing the service.
She said: “The challenge being faced right now is very significant, and is impacting on our ability to deliver appropriate treatment and care.
“Our emergency department at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary is being stretched beyond capacity.
“The hospital is operating at full occupancy and has put in place escalation plans to cope with the excessive pressures.”
South Scotland MSP, Colin Smyth, said: “Unfortunately, as anyone who lives in the region knows, this statement from NHS Dumfries and Galloway is not as shocking as it once would have been.
“Warnings like this have become the new normal but despite them happening so frequently, it doesn’t mean it is not a serious concern.
“Our fantastic NHS staff are doing all they can to cope with the increased pressure but they are completely overwhelmed.
“One of the main problems remains that delayed discharge is a serious issue which impacts all aspects of hospital care, and as a result every month we learn that hundreds of people across the region are waiting too long for treatment.
“Patient and staff wellbeing is at risk and lives are being lost.”
Anyone whose healthcare issue is “non-life threatening” is asked to consult www.nhsinform.scot or call the NHS 24 helpline on 111.
