NHS Grampian said its A&E units at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin and at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary are facing increased demand.
Shantini Paranjothy, the health board’s executive director on call, said the hospitals are facing a “challenging weekend”.
She said: “Our teams are facing a particularly challenging weekend due to the local public holiday on Monday, capacity within our hospitals, and extreme pressures on care within the community.
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“We are working alongside key partners including the Scottish Ambulance Service, NHS Tayside and NHS Highland to take all necessary steps, including diverting ambulances only where absolutely necessary, to ensure all patients are safe and well cared for.
“We are grateful to teams working across the system to support us during this challenging period. We apologise to anyone impacted by longer waits or by having to travel further to receive necessary care.”
Paranjothy also said friends and family of patients leaving hospital could help by coming to “discharge them promptly” so beds are made available for others.
(Image: PA)
The Scottish Conservatives said the situation is “extremely worrying”.
North East Tory MSP Liam Kerr said: “This announcement is deeply concerning and highlights NHS Grampian is at absolute breaking point.
“Lives are being put at risk, staff are under intolerable strain, and patients are bearing the brunt of the crisis that is continuing to unfold at the health board.
“It’s extremely worrying that ambulances are having to be diverted, in some cases hundreds of miles, to the Highlands and Tayside. This simply should not be happening.
“The turmoil at ARI and Dr Gray’s has been going on for far too long as NHS Grampian approaches yet another winter emergency.”
The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.