In response to separate circumstances concerning the provision of medical cover in Kelso and Knoll (Duns) Community Hospitals from the end of March 2024, NHS Borders is carrying out an urgent review of the medical care model that supports all four Community Hospitals, to ensure that it can continue to provide an effective and sustainable model of service that meets needs.
A steering group has been established to undertake the review, with public representatives included in the membership.
Given that our Annual Delivery Plan 2023/24 and NHS Borders Medium Term Plans set out the need to review the long term model of care in Community Hospitals, it makes sense that the steering group will also consider longer term options as part of this work. In order to undertake this the membership of the group will be reviewed and expanded as appropriate, and we acknowledge the significant public and staff involvement that will be required.
Both the medical cover and the wider model of care reviews are in line with the direction set out in the Health and Social Care Strategic Framework, and regular updates on the work of the steering group will be published here on our website.