Covid-19 cases rise at Borders General Hospital

The ongoing outbreak at the Borders General Hospital in Melrose has worsened over the weekend, with a total of 22 cases, eight more from Friday’s figure.
Only essential visiting is allowed at Borders General Hospital this week as 22 people have now tested positive for Covid-19 in this latest outbreak.Only essential visiting is allowed at Borders General Hospital this week as 22 people have now tested positive for Covid-19 in this latest outbreak.
Only essential visiting is allowed at Borders General Hospital this week as 22 people have now tested positive for Covid-19 in this latest outbreak.

Affected patients are receiving their care in one of the hospital’s two dedicated Covid-19 wards, while ward seven, where this latest outbreak began last week, has been deep cleaned, ready for reopening to new admissions from this evening. NHS Borders says all staff have been tested.

Associate director of acute services, Gareth Clinkscale, said: “Covid-19 is very infectious and spreads quickly between people.

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“This is why outbreaks happen in hospitals where a number of people are sharing facilities.

“However it doesn’t just occur in healthcare settings; it can also start abruptly and spread quickly through communities.

“A multidisciplinary team is continuing to oversee the management of the outbreak and the situation is being reviewed and monitored very closely.

“There are robust infection prevention and control measures in place across NHS Borders to keep our staff and patients as safe as possible.

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“We would like to take this opportunity to remind people of the importance of observing all the infection prevention and control measures that are in place across our healthcare settings.

“Please wear a face covering, sanitise your hands on entry and exit and observe physical distancing.”

He added: “Visiting to the Borders General Hospital remains limited to essential visits only.

“This decision will be reviewed again on Wednesday and we thank you for your understanding. People should continue to attend appointments as normal.

“Visiting to Community Hospitals remains unchanged with local restrictions in place at Hay Lodge Hospital.”