21 December 2018
It takes more than crossed fingers as we contemplate what winter might throw at us in the weeks ahead. Last winter was exceptional and NHS Borders staff coped brilliantly but recovering from the impact on services took us through the summer months and beyond.
Everything we learned has been built into a new winter plan and work on this began before last winter ended involving our partners at the Council and in local organisations.
Together we aim to increase capacity across health and social care; improve the flow of patients through hospitals with more resources allocated to weekends; and expand the hospital-to-home service to cover the whole of Borders so as to reduce the need for hospital admission and support discharges.
Importantly we must also support staff who bear the brunt in the long dark weeks ahead.
Among other things that includes seeking to reassure staff from EU nations who will feel anxious at this time of Brexit debate. We attract international expertise and skills from across the globe. Some of these staff may have professional and personal concerns and be looking for reassurance.
Every last one of our staff is valued daily and through all the seasons.
I offer Christmas and New Year good wishes to them all, along with all in the Borders community. And, fingers crossed, a hope that the Beast from the East does not return!
John Raine
Chairman, NHS Borders