25 May 2023

We know that many people in the Borders are currently experiencing long waits for appointments, treatment, and operations. Waiting can be a frustrating and stressful experience, so we are providing some information on how we communicate with you, and advice to help you wait wisely.

NHS Scotland has recently launched a new text message service to ensure patient waiting lists are up to date and that patients still need their appointments.

From 11 May 2023, all NHS Borders outpatients will receive a text message from the NHS Scotland National Elective Coordination Unit with a link to answer some questions. The text will come from +447860 039092. The answers you provide are essential for keeping our waiting lists up to date, so if you get a text from the NHS Scotland National Elective Coordination Unit, please click the link, and follow the instructions on screen. Find more information here.

There are also five key ways you can wait wisely for your appointment, treatment or operation:

  1. Follow advice from your clinician – Whilst it can feel difficult when you have been waiting a long time, if your clinician has suggested certain exercises or lifestyle changes, it is important to follow this advice to help you wait wisely
  2. Eat well – Eating a balanced diet to help you feel your best and support your immune system. Tips on eating well can be found here
  3. Stay connected – Social support from friends and family is important while dealing with the uncertainty of waiting
  4. Stay active – If you are able, regular physical activity can reduce stress and improve overall health, this could be anything from some gentle stretching to regular walking
  5. Manage stress – The above suggestions can all help to manage stress. As can things like breathing exercises and relaxing activities such as reading or painting/ drawing

Dr Lynn McCallum, Medical Director at NHS Borders, said: “We know how uncertain it can feel when you are waiting for an appointment, treatment or operation. Our services are under significant pressure, and it is going to take some time to get things back on track. Because of this, we are working hard to prioritise people that need help most urgently and are doing everything we can to ensure you get the care you need as soon as possible.

“While it can feel like the best option, please avoid calling your GP to ask for an update as they will not be able to provide this. They are also unable to expedite appointments.  If you are waiting for an appointment, treatment or operation you will have had a letter from NHS Borders confirming this. If your condition worsens whilst you are waiting, it is important that you let your hospital clinician know by calling the number on your appointment letter.”

We also have an appointment reminder service. Some NHS Borders Outpatient Clinics will receive a telephone voice reminder notification the week before your appointment. The call will ask you to confirm your name, enter your year of birth, then you will be asked to confirm you are able to attend the appointment or be provided with instructions if you wish to cancel. This is to help remind you of your appointment, and to enable to you cancel if you need to, freeing up the appointment for someone else on the waiting list.

Please see the NHS Borders Waiting Times page for guidance on the number of weeks that patients on an NHS Borders Outpatient or Inpatient Waiting List have waited for a general or routine appointment or treatment over the last month.