NHS Scotland crisis: Edinburgh A&E operating above capacity for 500 days in a row

The capacity of Edinburgh’s accident and emergency (A&E) department has been operating above capacity for nearly 500 days in a row, leading to calls for the Scottish Government to “get a grip” of the situation.

Edinburgh Royal Infirmary's Emergency Department

The largest emergency department in the capital has been operating above capacity for nearly 500 days in a row - including operating at 440 per cent capacity in December.

Figures, released via freedom of information requests, reveal that between January 1 2022 and May 14 2023, the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh has exceeded its patient capacity every single day. This equates to at least 499 days in a row of overcapacity.

The RIE’s A&E department only has capacity for 40 patients, but has had as many as 176 patients in the department at any one time.

Edinburgh Royal Infirmary Picture by John Young / YoungMedia 2010

On December 19 2022, RIE operated at 440 per cent capacity, equivalent to 176 patients.

Scottish Conservative MSP for Lothian region, Sue Webber, said it is “terrifying” that the hospital’s A&E staff “have been overwhelmed by the sheer volume of patients attending”.

“Inevitably, this will have led to excess waits for people to be seen – and, in turn, lives being tragically and needlessly lost,” said Ms Webber.

“Under Humza Yousaf, our dedicated NHS staff are burning out. Dire workforce planning by successive SNP health secretaries has left hospitals operating under intolerable strain.

“These damning statistics are a stark reminder that patients are ultimately paying the price for SNP failures, despite the heroic efforts of shattered staff.

“Michael Matheson must get a grip of the almighty mess that Humza Yousaf has left him with.

“He should ditch the First Minister’s flimsy NHS recovery plan and adopt the proposals the Scottish Conservatives have outlined to remobilise our health service with modern, efficient and local solutions.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said “excessively long waits are never acceptable” and apologised “for any patient’s experience which fell short of what everyone should expec”t.

“Our hospitals, including the Royal Infirmary Edinburgh, continue to experience significant pressure and, in common with healthcare systems in the UK and globally, the pandemic is still impacting services,” said the spokesperson.

“Brexit-driven staff shortages, and inflation costs have also contributed to make this the most challenging period the NHS has ever faced.

“We are aware of the issues impacting on performance at the Royal Infirmary Edinburgh and are working closely with them to implement their 26 week improvement plan. While performance remains challenged they are starting to see some sustained improvements including a reduction in the level of long delays.”

Tracey Gillies, executive medical director at NHS Lothian, said: “There has been unprecedented demand on A&E for some time and we apologise unreservedly for the waits that patients are experiencing.

“Our teams work tirelessly to prioritise the most clinically urgent patients. We urge the public to continue to support our staff by ensuring that they access the right care in the right place.

“If you think you need to visit A&E, but it's not life threatening, please call your GP or NHS 24 on 111 first, day or night, for advice.”