BGH bosses: Only attend Emergency Department if condition is life-threatening
Last updated 17th Sep 2024
NHS Borders is urging the public to only visit the Emergency Department at Borders General Hospital if it's a life-threatening emergency.
The health board says it's "exceptionally busy" and anyone with a minor injury or urgent health problem should call NHS 24 on 111.
It's not the first time health chiefs have issued the warning.
But it's believed to be the first since new chief executive Peter Moore has taken up post.
He takes over from Ralph Roberts at a time when £28 million worth of savings need to be found to help balance the books.
NHS Borders has confirmed it's already taken the decision to pull the plug on paying for a licence, which allowed it to play music in receptions and waitings areas across the region.
A spokesperson said: "We recognise that this is an unpopular decision with staff and patients, however it is an example of the reality facing us when it comes to making difficult choices."
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NHS Borders says anyone who needs to attend the region's only Emergency Department should expect to wait longer than usual to be seen.
It states: "If you have a minor injury or urgent health problem which isn't life-threatening, call NHS 24 on 111.
"NHS 24 will signpost you to the right place to get the advice or care that you need. You may need to wait a while for your call to be answered or for a member of the team to call you back, but this can be done in the comfort of your own home.
"If you do need to be seen, you may be given an appointment time to minimise the time you need to spend in the department. This also reduces pressure on our team."
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