Rachael Hamilton MSP has written to the Health Secretary Humza Yousaf, calling for urgent action to fix the ongoing issues at NHS Borders.
Mrs Hamilton has become concerned that, for over several weeks now, Borders General Hospital (BGH) staff have undergone severe pressure, leading to the hospital being a full capacity on one occasion.
Recently it was reported that the Borders General Hospital has the third worst A&E waiting times in Scotland and just 60.7% of people who attended the A&E department were seen and discharged within four hours.
In the week beginning 11th April, The Borders General Hospital was at full capacity due to "extreme pressures". NHS Borders were asked the public to ring 111 before going to Accident and Emergency as it was ‘exceptionally busy’.
Further to this, Chief Executive Ralph Roberts asked people to remain patient with the local health teams as they attempt to manage a packed hospital with depleted staff numbers.
In the past, the Borders MSP has written about various issues pertaining to the performance of the BGH, however the situation has deteriorated to a level where she believes urgent intervention is required.
In the letter, she reiterated her heartfelt thanks to NHS Borders staff, especially those who work tirelessly under extreme pressure at the BGH.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“Constituents, quite rightly, contact me on a regular basis expressing their concern about their treatment and that of their family members or friends in the Borders.
“It has got to a point where it simply cannot continue like this, and I have written to the Health Secretary calling for urgent action to address the issues raised in my letter.
“Hardworking staff are doing a fantastic job, yet the lack of resources from the SNP Government means they are put under pressure.
“It is simply unacceptable that targets are being missed and the hospital was a full capacity.
“I want to see the SNP Government properly resource the BGH to prevent these issues arising again as we head into the summer months”.
