NHS Borders issues urgent plea for staff as hospitals face 'exceptional pressures'
Last updated 21st Feb 2025
NHS Borders is issuing an urgent plea for staff to help ease "exceptional" pressure on the region's health services.
The health board has revealed that all beds at Borders General Hospital in Melrose - and the region's community hospitals in Kelso, Hawick and Peebles - are full.
The Emergency Department at the BGH is also described as being "exceptionally busy", with a number of people awaiting admission.
Extra shifts are being offered to registered nurses and support workers this weekend.
It comes just a week 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.
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A spokesperson for the health board said: "Due to the exceptional pressures that we are facing in the BGH we are putting a call out for any healthcare support workers or registered nurses who are able to work extra shifts this evening or over the weekend.
"If you can help please call 01896 826704 until 5pm today (Friday). From 5pm onwards please call switchboard on 01896 826000 and ask for the on-call manager.
"Please share this message with any staff you think may be able to help."
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It's not the first time this month health chiefs have revealed Borders General Hospital has been under extreme pressure.
But it is the first time all the community hospitals have been included.
In December, NHS Borders revealed the spread of winter illnesses like flu, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), norovirus and Covid-19 was to blame for a 'higher than usual' staff absence.
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In the latest update, a spokesperson said: "We are currently experiencing extreme pressures across the healthcare system."
They added: "We are committed to providing the best care possible but we need your support."
Anyone who thinks they need to go to the Emergency Department but it is not critical or life-threatening is being advised to visit their local pharmacy, contact their GP, or call NHS24 on 111 for advice.
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