NHS Lothian has released a statement urging people to avoid heading to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary’s A&E department ‘unless it’s an emergency’.
This comes after the RV Petrel tipped over at the Imperial Dock in Leith on Wednesday morning, causing ‘multiple casualties’ with 50 people on board. Police, paramedics and firefighters raced to the scene - with NHS Lothian now expecting a ‘number’ of patients.
They’ve asked people who may need urgent care to contact their GP, or call NHS 24.
READ MORE - 'Multiple casualties' and 50 on board as boat tips over at Edinburgh Leith Docks
Jacquie Campbell, Chief Officer of Acute Services at NHS Lothian, said: “We’re on standby to receive a number of patients at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh’s A&E department following a major incident at Imperial Dock in Leith.
“We have been reviewing the current capacity at the RIE, with support from other sites, to prepare to accommodate these patients. Given the expected pressure on the site, we urge people not to attend A&E at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh unless it’s an emergency.
“If you think you need urgent care, please contact your GP or call NHS 24 on 111 to seek advice. Thank you.”
Concerning images from an eye-witness were released from the scene at Leith Docks, with the ship tilted at a 45-degree angle. Police have advised residents to stay away from the area.
Edinburgh Police said: "We are responding to an incident at Imperial Dock in Leith as a boat on dry dock has become dislodged from its holding. Please avoid the area to allow emergency service access.
The Scottish Ambulance Service added: “We received a call at 0829 hours today to attend an incident in Leith. We have dispatched five ambulances, an air ambulance, three trauma teams, our special operations team (SORT), three Paramedic Response Units (PRU) and one patient transport vehicle.”
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