Plea to patients as Borders General Hospital faces 'challenging situation'
Last updated 28th Jul 2023
Health chiefs say Borders General Hospital is currently full - with the emergency department extremely busy as patients wait for beds.
They're asking people with loved ones ready to be discharged to help get them into onward care as soon as possible.
And we're urged to call NHS 24 on 111 before going to A&E to make sure it is the right place for the best treatment.
A spokesperson for NHS Borders said: "Due to extreme pressures the Borders General Hospital is at capacity.
"This is a very challenging situation and our staff are working exceptionally hard to care for patients.
"If you think that your condition is immediately life threatening you should call 999."
READ MORE: Van driver rushed to hospital following early morning collision with HGV
It's not the first time this summer the BGH has reached capacity. But patients are being reminded to be kind to staff.
"Please help us ease pressure by using services wisely," the statement continued.
"Before you attend the Emergency Department please call NHS 24 on 111 first and they 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."
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://planetradio.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/