11 March 2020

Message from NHS Borders Medical Director, Dr Cliff Sharp

"Health and social care systems have planned extensively over the years for an event like the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and we have previously agreed a Pandemic plan.

However, our exact response to COVID-19 needs to be tailored to the scale of the impact in the Borders and the nature of this virus as more information becomes available from across the world.

I would like to take this opportunity to share with you how we have begun to plan for COVID-19, specifically in the first instance within the Borders General Hospital; the actions we have taken so far in response to the current outbreak and what we are planning to do next, depending upon the course the outbreak takes.

Testing in Borders is currently taking place using one of our Occupational Health vehicles located near the Primary Services block on the BGH Campus. Should someone who requires testing be unable to attend the BGH site, testing can be carried out in their home.

Many boards are now using a 'drive through' approach to testing, and where possible this will be used in Borders from now on, in the same location as the van.

As of today two patients resident in the Borders have tested positive for COVID-19 having returned from listed risk areas.

There are currently no patients being treated in the Borders General Hospital.

In the case of future patients requiring in-patient treatment in the Borders following a positive test for COVID-19, they will be cared for in designated areas of the Borders General Hospital. These areas will need to increase depending on the number of patients requiring inpatient care.

Following discussion with senior staff and clinicians it has been agreed that in the first instance the Margaret Kerr Unit will be the designated area for caring for patients with confirmed coronavirus. This eight bedded facility comprises fully of single en suite rooms, has its own entrance and exit and a ventilation system that is separate from the rest of the hospital.

Patients currently being cared for in the unit will be moved to the Cauldshiels ward which is currently being prepared.  These moves will be carried out with the full involvement of patients, their families and carers.

As the number of patients requiring inpatient care increases we will then expand into other areas of the hospital, and if the need arises into community locations.

The response from staff across the organisation to quickly develop detailed plans has already been excellent.

Work on developing more detailed plans for our Primary & Community, Mental Health & LD and Corporate services for the changing service demand we will face as the as the number of individuals affected by COVID -19 in the Borders increases  are being progressed, and further information will be provided in due course.

Given the contagious nature of this coronavirus, confirmed cases in the Borders were inevitable and I would urge the public to please play your part in helping us minimise the risk by following this simple advice;

  • maintain good hand hygiene; wash hands with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitiser before eating and drinking, and after coughing, sneezing and going to the toilet
  • avoid direct hand contact with your eyes, nose and mouth
  • avoid direct contact with people who have a respiratory illness and avoid using their personal items such as their mobile phone
  • cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with disposable tissues and dispose of them in the nearest waste bin after use.

Please do not attend the Borders General Hospital or any healthcare setting and request a test for coronavirus. Testing is by appointment only. If you are worried you may have coronavirus call 111, stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people.

Finally please be assured that the safety of our patients and staff will remain our number one priority and all necessary steps are being taken to comply with the most up to date infection prevention and control advice for COVID-19."