NHS Borders issues extreme pressure warning - with all hospital beds in the region FULL
Last updated 8th Apr 2025
NHS Borders says health services in the region are under "extreme pressure" - with all hospital beds in the region FULL.
According to the health board, the Emergency Department at Borders General Hospital is also at capacity - with a number of people waiting to be admitted.
Anyone in need of medical treatment is being redirected to the NHS 24 helpline - unless their condition is critical or life-threatening.
It comes just weeks after the community hospital in Duns was forced to close due to concerns around the discovery of a collapse-prone concrete used in the construction of its roof.
All patients have since been transferred while repairs - estimated to take up to six months - are carried out.
It's not the first time this year health chiefs have revealed Borders General Hospital has been under extreme pressure.
Similar warnings were issued on February 5th and 24th, and January 14th, 15th and 28th.
On February 21st, it also made an urgent appeal for healthcare support workers or registered nurses to take on extra shifts to cope with demand.
The spread of winter illnesses like flu, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), norovirus and Covid-19 was blamed for a 'higher than usual' staff absence.
A spokesperson said: "We are experiencing extreme pressures across the healthcare system. Our beds are full in the Borders General Hospital and our Community Hospitals, and our Emergency Department is at capacity, with a number of people requiring admission."
But they added: "We are committed to providing the best care possible but we need your support. Together, we can ensure that our healthcare services continue to function efficiently and effectively for everyone."
Last week, NHS Borders revealed it's expecting to post a loss of around £18 million for the financial year just ended.
But director of finance Andrew Bone insists the health board is making "positive progress" on its savings targets - which includes a reduction in the use of agency staff - having initially forecast a deficit of £26 million.
The NHS statement concluded: "If you require care or treatment, save time by seeking the right care in the right place. Often your first port of call should be the NHS inform website.
"If you think you need to go to the Emergency Department but it is not critical or life threatening, call NHS 24 on 111 for advice."
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