A recent warning from the local health board about the region’s acute hospital experiencing high levels of activity are unfortunately becoming the “new normal” according to South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth.

NHS Borders issued a statement on Monday saying Borders General Hospital was experiencing extremely high levels of activity since the weekend.

Colin Smyth said: “Unfortunately, as anyone who lives in the region knows, this statement from NHS Borders is not as shocking as it once would have been.

“Warnings like this have become the new normal but despite them happening so frequently across my constituency, it doesn’t mean it is not a serious concern.

“Our fantastic NHS staff are doing all they can to cope with the increased pressures but they are completely overwhelmed.

“One of the main problems remains that delayed discharge is a serious issue which impacts all aspects of hospital care, and as a result every month we learn that hundreds of people across the Borders region are waiting too long for treatment.

“Patient and staff wellbeing is at risk and lives are being lost.

“The Scottish Government must end delayed discharge and invest further in primary care to tackle illnesses before they get serious. Health inequalities are widening under the SNP’s watch, and they must tackle these issues head on.”

 

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