NHS Borders

26/06/2026

At yesterday’s Board Meeting, we agreed the next phase of work to deliver our Clinical Strategy – setting out how our services will continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of local communities across the Borders.

Please take a moment to read a visual summary here -https://www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/media/1154051/PUBLIC-Version-of-Clinical-Strategy-SS.pdf
..And keep an eye out for more detailed information being shared with you next week about each of our priorities! 👀

25/06/2026

Healthcare Improvement Scotland have published their report following an unannounced inspection of maternity services at Borders General Hospital in March.

The inspection focussed on the safe delivery of care within maternity services, including Ward 16 and the labour ward.

The report highlights many areas of good practice, with inspectors observing calm, person-centred care, strong multidisciplinary working and a compassionate, respectful approach from staff. Women and families spoke positively about their experiences and said they would recommend maternity services at Borders General Hospital.

Inspectors also recognised a positive, supportive working culture across the service, with staff describing NHS Borders as a good place to work, feeling supported by colleagues and confident to raise concerns. This culture plays a vital role in supporting safe, effective care for women, birthing people and families.

The report also highlights the service’s commitment to improvement, with evidence of ongoing quality improvement work, staff learning and development, and strong clinical leadership.

As with all inspections, areas for improvement have been identified. These include strengthening aspects of governance and oversight, improving the timeliness of some review processes, and enhancements to elements of the care environment and access to services. NHS Borders has developed an improvement action plan to address these areas.

Sarah Horan, Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals said: “We are pleased that this report recognises the compassionate, person-centred care our staff provide every day, and the positive culture within our maternity services. That culture is fundamental to delivering safe, high-quality care and supporting people and families at such an important time in their lives.

“This report also reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering the best possible care for the people of the Borders and aligns closely with our Clinical Strategy, particularly our focus on helping people to start well from birth through safe, effective and person-centred maternity care.

“We value the opportunity to review and improve our performance so that we can continue delivering high quality care to our patients. I would like to thank the Inspectors for their report. It helps us reflect, learn and continue improving the care we provide.

“I would also like to thank all staff involved for their professionalism, dedication and the care they provide to women and families every day.”

The inspection report can be found here: https://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.scot/publications/borders-general-hospital-maternity-safe-delivery-of-care-inspection-report-june-2026/

25/06/2026

Our Emergency Department (ED) is very busy this morning.

As always, please only attend our ED for life-threatening emergencies. If you do need to attend, you may need to wait longer to be seen.

For all other health concerns, please seek the right care in the right place such as:

🌐 NHS Inform Self-Help Guides – for online advice for common symptoms and conditions: www.nhsinform.scot

💊 Community Pharmacies – for advice and treatment for minor illnesses

📞 NHS 24 – call 111 if:
- you think you need to go to the Emergency Department but its not life or limb threatening
- you need support with mental health distress
- you need urgent care and your GP, pharmacy or dental practice is closed.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

23/06/2026

Some advice to bear in mind during the warm weather ⬇️☀️

23/06/2026

We're encouraging young people in the Borders to check if they’re eligible for the MenB vaccine.

You can get the MenB vaccine if you:

• were born 1 March 2008 – 28 February 2009
• were in S6 in 2025/26
• are under 25 and starting university in 2026/27
• are under 25, starting college and living in shared accommodation

If you were born between 1 March 2008 and 28 February 2009, please look out for a letter arriving this week with details on how to book your appointment.

PLEASE NOTE: Letters are only being sent to this group. If you are eligible through one of the other groups listed above, please contact our vaccination service directly to arrange your appointment.

📞 Call 01896 809250 to book.

22/06/2026

📅 Our next Board Meeting will be held this Thursday (25 June)

📍 This online meeting will be held from 9.30am to 12:30pm via Microsoft Teams.

As we move from developing strategy into delivering it, the Board will hear how our organisational and clinical priorities for 2026/27 are being translated into practical action, aligned with financial planning, to support sustainable and high-quality care.

If you're interested in attending the meeting, please contact Iris Bishop, Board Secretary, via [email protected] for further information, including the link needed to access the meeting.

19/06/2026

You can get the MenB vaccine if you:

• were born 1 Mar 2008 – 28 Feb 2009
• were in S6 in 2025/26
• are under 25 and starting university in 2026/27
• are under 25, starting college and living in shared accommodation

📞 Call 01896 809250 to book your appointment.

19/06/2026

If your cervical screening (smear test) is overdue, why not book it this week? Talk to your GP or nurse if you’re worried, they will understand and can help.

Visit nhsinform.scot/cervicalscreening to find out more.

18/06/2026

18/06/2026

Movement looks different for everyone. Sometimes it’s a swim before work, a fitness class with friends, a walk through a gallery, getting lost in a good book at the library, exploring a museum or archive, enjoying a live event, or simply taking a moment to connect and recharge. However you move through your day, it all counts.

At Live Borders, we’re proud to support wellbeing through fitness and culture across the Scottish Borders. We’re here to help our communities stay healthier, happier and stronger.

To find out more about Day of Movement and Movement for Health, visit 👉 https://www.movementforhealth.scot/