BORDERS General Hospital near Melrose has issued an appeal to the general public to only attend its Accident and Emergency Department if they require urgent medical attention.

What NHS Borders describes as an “exceptionally high demand” led hospital bosses to issue the public appeal at the weekend.

Nicky Berry, director of nursing, midwifery & acute services said: “We are currently experiencing exceptionally high demand in our Accident and Emergency Department which is putting pressure on bed availability in the hospital.

“We are working hard to discharge patients who are well enough to go home to create some more space, however this takes time. If you have a relative in any of our hospitals who is ready to be discharged, please make arrangements to collect them as soon as you can.

“We are looking after some very sick people so please help us take the pressure off the hospital and only go to A&E if you have an illness or injury that is serious and requires urgent medical attention. If you do need to attend A&E you may have to wait longer than usual so please be patient and remember that our staff are doing their best during this very busy time.

“If you are unwell and it is not an emergency there are a wide range of NHS services available to provide you with the appropriate treatment and care. GP surgeries are open and your community pharmacies are open and available to provide expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and ailments, and to give advice about your medicines. Please make sure you have adequate stocks of regular prescription medicines that you take.

“Self-care is the best choice to treat very minor illnesses, ailments and injuries. Visit www.nhsinform.scot for information on how to treat a wide range of minor ailments.

“If you or someone you care for is unwell when your GP surgery is closed contact the NHS 24 helpline on 111. If the condition is immediately life threatening, dial 999 for an emergency ambulance.”