Ice proves an unlucky break for hospital

By Steven Duff BBC Scotland

Norma Watt is one the patients who has needed treatment

The first snow of this winter's severe grip first fell in the north east of Scotland on the afternoon of 18 December.

It seems a long time ago now.

Since then pavements and roads have rarely been clear of snow and ice.

At Aberdeen Royal Infirmary's accident and emergency department, this has caused major problems.

The number of people arriving there with bones that are broken, fractured or dislocated has risen dramatically - and it has stretched resources to the limit.

We're really well into the third week and there are no signs of it dissipating. Every day for us has seen a constant stream of people James Ferguson Senior Aberdeen Royal Infirmary accident and emergency consultant

"Ice for us is always a nightmare," senior accident and emergency consultant James Ferguson told BBC Scotland.

"People fall over and break things, mainly wrists and ankles.

"Usually it only lasts a few days, but now we're really well into the third week and there are no signs of it dissipating. Every day for us has seen a constant stream of people."

It is difficult to say exactly how many broken bones can be put down to the conditions.

However, since the cold snap arrived, Mr Ferguson says the number of cases has risen at least three-fold.

Norma Watt, from Lonmay near Fraserburgh, is in no doubt her broken wrist is down to the conditions.

She said: "I was just out walking with my dog. I had a stick and everything and I just slipped on the ice. I heard the crack and I just thought it was broken, so I had to get somebody to take me to the hospital."

'Saves travelling'

Mrs Watt's local hospital is in Fraserburgh. She was seen by a local doctor who then decided to link up by video with specialists at the A&E department in Aberdeen.

After assessing the injury they decided Mrs Watt needed to travel the 40 miles into the city to have the break properly reset and plastered.

Mr Ferguson explained that the use of telemedicine had proved crucial.

"All the local casualty departments throughout NHS Grampian have got a video conferencing link through to us.

"Already today we've seen more than 20 patients that way and only three have had to come into Aberdeen.

"All the rest have been treated locally which of course saves people travelling in this weather and saves time and resources here."

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