Dumfries and Galloway’s health and social care system is facing “very significant” pressure.
And escalation plans have been put in place at DGRI in a bid to cope, with people being asked only to attend in an emergency.
The rise in demand comes after the Easter weekend public holiday.
The health and social care partnership’s chief officer, Julie White, said: “The challenge being faced right now is very significant, and is impacting on our ability to deliver appropriate treatment and care.
“This week, 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.
“Alongside the significant increase in people needing immediate help, staff are also managing sizeable numbers of patients who are medically fit to return home or to a homely setting – but who are unable to leave hospital for reasons such as shortages of care or issues around guardianship.
“We are continuing to work closely with our partner organisations to increase capacity within social care and recognise the huge efforts that are being made by our care at home providers and our care homes to support this very difficult position.
“Urgent operations are continuing to take place, and we’re working to continue to deliver scheduled operations – but the pressures are huge.”
The situation had improved since the start of the year, which Mrs White described as “worse than anything experienced during Covid”, but said the current situation is now “extremely challenging”.
She added: “These are the sort of extremes we might expect to be seeing in the middle of winter, not in the springtime, which is very concerning.
“We would encourage anyone who needs help to come forward and seek it – but very importantly that they seek help in the appropriate way.”
Anyone considering going to hospital should consider whether the situation is an emergency, which is a life-threatening situation such as an accident, injury or illness that requires immediate attention – for example, a heart attack, a stroke, a collapse or broken bone.
Information on many health issues is available at www.nhsinform.scot or by phoning NHS 24 on 111, with advice and support also available from GPs and pharmacists.
Mrs White said: “Our staff teams continue to work tirelessly to provide the best possible care and support at this time but resources are extremely stretched.
“We thank the public for their ongoing support and understanding during this very difficult time.”
