Directors and executives at NHS Borders have failed to approve a balanced financial position at a public board meeting this week.
NHS Borders had been set to agree an updated financial plan at their public board meeting on the 4th of April.
The long-term viability of the health board is now at risk with significant unknown cuts to staff and frontline services expected.
As outlined in their draft interim financial plan, NHS Borders is facing a projected opening deficit of £28.1 million in April 2024 which is set to rise to £40.4 million by March 2025 without any cost-saving measures.
Residents do not deserve to be treated as second-class citizens due to the financial crisis at NHS Borders.
This situation is highly alarming and without a clear financial plan, the viability of frontline services remains under threat. Serious questions must now be asked about the long-term sustainability of the health board.
Rural health services face unique challenges such as ageing populations and connectivity issues. With their central-belt agenda, the SNP have failed to deliver a health service that is suited to the needs of rural communities. Residents in the Borders should not have to pay the price of the SNP’s failings.
NHS Borders has been in discussion with the Scottish Government who have advised that brokerage of up to £14.8 million will be available for 2024/25. An emergency meeting with the Scottish Government has been organised to discuss the health board's financial situation.
I welcome that the Scottish Government have agreed to have an emergency meeting with NHS Borders to discuss this situation. It is crucial that local residents and staff get much-needed clarity over how NHS Borders will operate going forward.
