A health board has released an urgent call for “all available staff” who are currently not working to come in due to an unprecedented level of patients.

NHS Grampian released a statement on social media on Friday asking any staff who may be on annual leave and would be available to work to do so.

The health service said this was due to a number of severely ill patients arriving at the hospitals in the area.

NHS Grampian wrote: “We are currently facing an extreme level of pressure across our health care system, due to the number of acutely ill patients arriving at hospital and difficulties in discharging patients to community settings.

“We are asking all staff who are not working – and may be on annual leave – but would be available to work, to contact Site and Capacity as soon as possible.

“We appreciate this is a big ask, especially this time of year, and greatly appreciate any additional support you can give.”

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