26 June 2026
Yesterday NHS Borders agreed the next phase of work to deliver its Clinical Strategy – setting out how services will continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of local communities across the Borders. A detailed implementation plan for 2026/27 was presented, outlining the key actions that will turn the long-term vision into real improvements for patients, families, staff and our communities.
The strategy, which was approved by the Board in December 2025, focuses on improving population health, reducing inequalities and ensuring people receive high-quality, person-centred care that is accessible and sustainable. At its heart is a simple ambition: to support people to stay well, provide more care closer to home, and ensure hospital services are used effectively when they are needed.
The 2026/27 implementation plan prioritises:
- Expanding prevention and self-management support
- Transforming community services including the development of community hubs
- Improving access to urgent and emergency care
- Redesigning outpatient and hospital services to reduce waiting times
- Strengthening regional partnerships across the East of Scotland to sustain specialist services
Work is already underway to bring these ambitions to life. Initiatives such as Hospital at Home are helping people to receive hospital-level care in the comfort of their own homes, supporting independence and reducing unnecessary hospital stays.
Further developments include increasing surgical capacity, introducing new models of frailty care and working more closely with regional partners to improve access to specialist services.
The Clinical Strategy has been shaped by extensive engagement with staff, partners and local communities throughout 2025, including surveys, workshops and local events, and this collaborative approach will continue as plans are developed and then delivered. NHS Borders is committed to keeping people informed and involved, providing regular updates and promoting opportunities to get involved.
Alongside the implementation plan, the Board also approved a suite of ‘enabling strategies’ covering areas such as workforce, digital, finance and estates to ensure the Clinical Strategy can be delivered successfully.
Sarah Horan, Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery & Allied Health Professionals said: “We know that people’s health needs are changing, and we must continue to adapt how we deliver services to meet those needs.
“This plan sets out a clear and ambitious programme of work for the year ahead focused on prevention, delivering more care closer to home and making sure our hospital services are used in the most effective way.”