HEALTH chiefs in the Scottish Borders have confirmed that some non-emergency operations have been cancelled ahead of Thursday’s planned strike by doctors, writes Bob Burgess.
The British Medical Association is taking UK-wide industrial action in a dispute over pensions.
Local doctors have been working with NHS Borders to ensure that emergency and urgent appointments and treatments are handled.
But health board chief executive Calum Campbell admitted that some non-emergency procedures are being cancelled to ensure emergency treatment can continue.
He said: “This means that some planned operations, outpatient and pre-assessment clinics at our hospitals and health centres will be rescheduled.
“Those patients due to attend a service which has had to be cancelled will be contacted and their appointments will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
“Anyone with an appointment for June 21 and who has not been contacted should attend for their appointment.
“All GP practices in the Borders will be open on Thursday. Some GPs will be working as normal and some will only be seeing emergencies and patients requiring urgent medical care.
“All practices will be happy to advise patients about any planned change to services. If patients have any concerns about their care on the day, they are advised to contact their GP practice in the usual way.”
Mr Campbell added: “Mental health and learning disability services are unlikely to face major disruption and patients should attend their appointments unless contacted in advance.”
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