Only come to A&E if life-threatening as Borders General Hospital 'very busy'

People have been told only to come to the A&E department of a hospital in the Borders if their condition is life-threatening.

Borders General Hospital is said to be “very busy” with patients requiring admission to the emergency department.

NHS Borders is asking those only with life-threatening emergencies to attend.

Those who do need to attend are being told to expect longer waiting times and may be given an appointment to attend A&E to “reduce pressure” on staff.

It comes after Chalmers Hospital in Aberdeen was closed to new admissions due to a flu outbreak on Monday.

NHS Grampian turned away new patients and suspended non-essential visits to the hospital in Banff as it attempts to suppress the spread of influenza.

Those wishing to see loved ones in the hospital were urged to stay away if they are suffering any symptoms as it could be “life-threatening” for those in care.

A statement from Borders General Hospital: “Our Emergency Department is exceptionally busy this morning, with a number of people waiting to be admitted.

“Please only attend the department if it is a life-threatening emergency.

“If you do need to attend, you should expect to wait longer than usual to be seen. If you have a minor injury or urgent health problem which isn’t life-threatening, call NHS 24 on 111.

“NHS 24 will signpost you to the right place to get the advice or care that you need.

“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.

“Thank you once again for your understanding and cooperation.”