NHS Borders

08/06/2026

Last Thursday we were delighted to come together at a Volunteers Celebration and Re-engagement event to acknowledge the incredible contribution of our volunteers.

The event, that took place during Volunteers Week, was an opportunity to say thank you to those who give their time so freely, generously and wholeheartedly to support our patients, staff and communities. Volunteers make a real difference every day; through their compassion, kindness and presence; helping to transform the experience of care across our services.

Our new volunteer management system has a list of all available roles. You can access the site by visiting https://borders.volunteering.nhs.scot.

If you have any questions or would like to talk about volunteering opportunities, please get in touch at [email protected]

08/06/2026

Some GP practices and community pharmacies are closed next Monday (15 June) for the public holiday. Treatment rooms, the CTAC call hub, vaccination hub and public dental services will also be closed.

If you need care or treatment on the day, please seek the right care in the right place.

More information about which services are open and closed on the public holiday can be found here:
www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/public-holidays

08/06/2026

Our maternity staff were once again very busy last month - welcoming another 75 new babies to the Borders! 👶

We're proud of the amazing care and support they offer to families across the region every day.

See a summary of birth activity in the Borders during May below.

05/06/2026

This week our dietitians have been marking Dietitians Week and its theme, ‘It’s more than just a job’.

Dietitians play a vital role across our services, combining scientific expertise with a strong focus on patient care. Their work supports people to manage conditions, improve health outcomes and make informed choices about their diet and wellbeing.

We’re pleased to recognise our dietetics team - and the contribution they make across NHS Borders every day.

04/06/2026

Are you home or away this summer?

Whether you’re travelling to America to watch Scotland at the World Cup, or staying more local, make sure you’re up to date with all your vaccinations before you go.

For more information visit

nhsinform.scot/gettingvaccinations

04/06/2026

Could a walking aid benefit you?

Come along and chat to our Physiotherapy Team at local What Matters Hubs in June.

👉 scotborders.gov.uk/whatmattershubs

02/06/2026

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Fiona Sandford as Chair of NHS Borders.

Fiona has been a Non-Executive Director for 8 years and has been in the role of Interim Chair following Karen Hamilton’s retirement at the end of December 2025.

Commenting on her appointment Fiona said: “I am really pleased to take on the role of Chair at NHS Borders. Our patients are at the heart of everything we do and I am committed to supporting our staff and the Board to drive forward our organisational and clinical strategies. With a strong focus on prevention, community based care and improving outcomes, I am looking forward to working closely with colleagues, partners and communities across the Borders to deliver the changes needed for the future.”

02/06/2026

Working Health Services Scotland offers free, confidential support for individuals struggling with health issues that affect their ability to work. This can include:

- Stress, anxiety, and low mood
- Physical health conditions
- Workplace pressures and challenges

The service provides access to experienced professionals who can offer tailored advice, support plans, and practical strategies to help people stay in or return to work.

You can self-refer online at https://whss.salus.co.uk/ or phone: 0800 019 2211 to enrol today.

15/05/2026

12/05/2026

This week (11–17 May) is Mental Health Awareness Week, and we’re encouraging people across the Scottish Borders to take simple, positive actions to support mental wellbeing.

This year’s theme is taking action. Mental health can feel complex, but small, everyday steps can make a real difference.

This week, we’re asking people to think about taking action in three ways:

• For yourself – choose one positive action that supports your own mental wellbeing. Our Ways to Be Well guide shares simple ideas you can build into everyday life, from being active and connecting with nature to sleeping well and eating well.

• For someone else – you don’t need to be a mental health professional to help someone who may be struggling. Taking time to listen, offering space to talk and responding with compassion can make a real difference, as well as knowing where to find further support if it’s needed.

• For all of us – communities, workplaces and organisations all play a role in creating supportive environments. Through our Creating Hope Awards, launched in 2024, we’ve already recognised 30 groups and organisations across the Borders for taking positive action to support mental health and su***de prevention.

👉 You can read more information, find resources and learn more about the Creating Hope Awards here - https://www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/latest-news/2026/may/12/mental-health-awareness-week/