Only essential visits allowed at Borders General Hospital as staff tackle 'immense pressure'

Dr Lynn McCallum, Medical Director, NHS Borders

Only "essential" visitors are allowed at Borders General Hospital as staff there deal with what has been described as "immense pressure".

They're also urging anyone 16-17 years old to get their vaccine, and they see rise in young people becoming ill from the virus.

There has been an increase in Covid-19 patients with high numbers also in attendance at the accident and emergency department and long waits for those who require inpatient care

NHS Borders has also put the rise in demand down to increased need for mental health and primary and community services.

As a result, the hospital has announced these changes to visitors. The changes come into force straight away.

It's hoped the move will free up NHS workers to care for very poorly patients and reduce the risk of visitors, unknowingly bringing Covid into the hospital, if they have no symptoms.

Ralph Roberts, the health board's chief executive, added: "As you have done throughout the Pandemic please help us and yourselves by behaving safely and sensibly whenever possible. While we are now all able to enjoy much more freedom than has been possible over the last year there are several steps we can all take to protect ourselves, our loved ones and to reduce the pressure on our local services."

Borders General Hospital are also reminding the public of measures that can better protect us all from the virus;

• Get double vaccinated as soon as you can. There are regular vaccination clinics running across the Borders.  

• Regularly test yourself for Covid-19 with lateral flow tests

• Wear face masks

• Maintain social distance from others

• Wash your hand regularly.

• Avoid any unnecessary contact to protect yourself, and more importantly vulnerable people.

• If you are receive a positive lateral flow test result, feel unwell or are asked to, self-isolate and book a PRC test immediately.