Scots NHS bosses have urged people to not injure themselves doing DIY, in drinking accidents or by eating uncooked BBQ meat as hospitals hit breaking point over growing coronavirus numbers.
Health chiefs in the north-east of Scotland say there are 'exceptional levels of pressure' on A&E departments as covid cases continue to spiral.
Flagship hospitals in the region, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin, have been at 'Black' status for a number of days which means they are at full capacity.
A decision was made to cancel some non-urgent procedures and appointments to allow staff to concentrate on the pandemic.
Cases across the country are on the rise due to the spread of the Delta variant.
But with many enjoying a holiday tomorrow, along with the an expected increase in pub-going due to the Euros final tonight, health chiefs have urged people to be careful and avoid heaping pressure on the service.
There are also unconsidered risks like being hurt doing DIY or eating uncooked sausages at a BBQ- health chiefs have warned.
NHS Grampian consultant Donna Paterson said: “Every year during the summer months we see a rise in admissions to the Emergency Department – from people drinking excessive amounts of alcohol; to those injured in road traffic accidents; to those who take part in other risky activities, like tombstoning.
"Ultimately our message is go out, stick to the guidelines, have fun and please be safe and look after each other.”
Earlier this week, NHS Highland announced it was at 'code black' and that Raigmore Hospital in Inverness was at fully capacity due to the rise in covid cases while NHS Lanarkshire has been described at 'breaking point'.
Today Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said he believes Scotland is now "past the worst" of the current peak in coronavirus cases.
The SNP Health Secretary said the government was starting to see a "positive trend" beginning to emerge in the data despite cases of covid still being high.
Cases peaked at 4,234 on July 1 following a sharp rise over the previous month due to the spread of the Delta variant which originated in India.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will set out the next step of changes to coronavirus restrictions in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday.
The emergency department medic Dr Paterson added: “In the hospital the number of Covid-19 patients has started to climb – from five last Friday to 25 today.
"We also have a number of staff who are self-isolating and we still have less capacity due to guidelines; which are in place to keep patients and staff safe as we make efforts to get to patients waiting for procedures as quickly as we can, avoidable admissions impact our ability to do that.
“Every holiday week we expect to see a rise in those attending at the Emergency Department with potentially avoidable injuries and trauma. Ultimately that may affect our ability to admit and treat someone who unavoidably needs to come to hospital as well as we otherwise could have.
“We would also implore all road users to drive carefully, considerately and within the speed limit because if you have a serious accident, which could have been avoided, it impacts our ability to deal with others. Cyclists are at equal risk.
“The way people access urgent care has changed. If you have a problem that you would normally self-present to the Emergency Department for but it is not serious or life-threatening, you should contact your GP practice or if it is closed, NHS24 on 111. You will then be directed to the most appropriate service for your problem.
“If, however, you are seriously ill or injured please dial 999 or attend the A&E department immediately. This process has not changed.
"The ED is still open and seeing patient who need the skill and expertise of our emergency physicians and nurses.”
Division general manager for surgery, Cameron Matthew said that while people were at home it was equally important they took care while pursuing any hobbies or DIY activities.
She said: “We would also ask all DIY enthusiasts to think hard about safety before undertaking any work. Climbing ladders or small scaffolds to clear or paint guttering or windows, trimming bushes and trees are all popular DIY tasks at this time of year and result in a large number of hospital attendances.
“Use proper safety wear - gloves, ear and eye defenders, protective trousers, take your time do not rush, watch for trip hazards such as trailing cables, plan ahead, do not take on jobs for the first time.
“If you are returning to sport after a long break there is nothing wrong with taking it a bit more easy than usual as you build up your strength and fitness – for some people it will be a year since they last played sport.
"If you are having a few beers or glasses or wine, take responsibility and don’t binge drink. We also see cases of food poisoning from undercooked food from barbecues.
“We can all play our part in avoiding needless admissions by taking as much care as possible.”
Cameron added: “We’d like to say ‘thank you’ to members of the public for sticking with Covid-19 guidelines and helping support our staff and hospitals to this point.
"Please be sensible, be responsible for yourself and stay safe, the hospitals across the north – be it Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Dr Gray’s, Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital or any of our community hospitals – are exceptionally busy.
The latest Scottish Government covid figures show that 2,048 people across the country contracted the virus in the last 24 hours.
The vaccination programme is continuing with huge levels of the Scottish population now having both jabs.
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