Elective surgeries cancelled at BGH

NHS Borders has cancelled all elective surgeries from today, continuing into next week, as the Borders General Hospital prepares for the coronavirus outbreak.
The Borders General Hospital at Melrose.The Borders General Hospital at Melrose.
The Borders General Hospital at Melrose.

If a patient is due one of these surgeries, they will be contacted by the NHS.

A spokesperson for the local health board said: “NHS Borders has taken the decision to cancel all elective surgical procedures today and next week.

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“We will review the position on an ongoing basis and all changes will be communicated to patients.”

Elective surgeries are those that are scheduled in advance because they do not involve a medical emergency.

They include hip replacements, ligament repairs and hernia repairs.

In the meanwhile, the Southern understands that three people turned up at accident and emergency at the Melrose hospital yesterday, who said they believed they may have coronavirus.

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Patients are reminded not attend the Borders General Hospital or any healthcare setting to request a test for the virus.

Testing is by appointment only.

If you are worried you may have coronavirus call 111, stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people.

If you require urgent medical attention, you must inform the receptionist on arrival if you have a cough, fever or shortness of breath.

Also, if you do not have the symptoms and are just looking for general advice, please call 0800 028 2816.

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Scottish Borders Council has stated that the situation regarding coronavirus – or COVID-19 as it has been named – is being monitored very closely in the region.

The chief executive of the local authority, Tracey Logan, said: “The council has been involved in a significant amount of planning at all levels around coronavirus and is continuing to work closely with NHS Borders and other partners, including the Scottish Government, on what is a challenging public health issue.

“We fully appreciate that this is a difficult situation and that people have many questions, but I would reassure residents that our priority is the health and well-being of Borderers and we continue to take advice from experts and follow the guidance issued by relevant organisations.

“All decisions in respect of the council’s services and any other community matters will only be taken in light of guidance provided at a Scottish and UK level and will not be taken by the council in isolation.

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“Any announcements will be made using our normal communication channels, including online at www.scotborders.gov.uk/coronavirus and through local media.”

Guidance for parents is available at www.scotborders.gov.uk/coronavirusschools

The most up to date and accurate health guidance is available on the NHS Inform website and Health Protection Scotland website.

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus and practice good respiratory and hand hygiene.