Google MapsA health board has warned that a hospital in the Borders is facing “extreme pressures” after a busy weekend.
NHS Borders said Borders General Hospital was at full capacity and its emergency department was “exceptionally busy”.
The site near Melrose urged members of the public who might need medical attention to call NHS 24 before going to the emergency department unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
A statement from the health board read: “You may need to wait a while for your call to be answered or for a member of the team to call you back, but this can be done in the comfort of your own home.
“If you do need to be seen you may be given an appointment time to minimise the time you need to spend in the department.
“This also reduces pressure on our team.”
“Please remember that our staff are working as hard as they can and you will be seen according to clinical priority.
“Please be patient and polite.
“If you think that your condition is immediately life-threatening, you should call 999.
“If you are unwell, please play your part and help protect yourself and others by staying at home and not visiting relatives who are in hospital.”
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