Bed 'shortage' allegation denied

NHS Borders said patients would not be forced out of the region

NHS Borders has denied claims it could face a bed shortage due to changes made at Borders General Hospital.

The number of beds available in four wards has recently been reduced from 120 to 92 as part of a refurbishment programme.

SNP MSP Christine Grahame said this could lead to patients being forced out of the region for treatment.

NHS Borders Chief Executive John Glennie said that such a situation has "never been the case".

Plans to reduce the number of beds were recently confirmed at BGH.

Ms Grahame claimed that the bed reduction - combined with the closure of community hospitals - had led to serious problems.

I am very concerned that patients and their families may have been left anxious and uncertain by Ms Grahame's statement John Glennie NHS Borders Chief Executive

"Once again it appears NHS bosses have failed to properly consult and pressed ahead with plans which could lead to elderly patients being transferred to beds in the Lothians because of shortages here," she said.

"As we approach the winter the demand on beds, particularly for elderly patients, will increase."

The MSP said the move had been "badly thought-out" and she wanted to know what provisions were being made to have patients treated locally.

Mr Glennie said there was no risk of elderly patients being transferred to NHS Lothian for treatment which should be provided in the Borders.

"I am very concerned that patients and their families may have been left anxious and uncertain by Ms Grahame's statement," he said.

'Annual preparations'

"The recent refurbishment and upgrading of the four elderly care wards at the Borders General Hospital has been a major investment in improving the environment for patients and staff."

Mr Glennie said that both patients and staff had been "very enthusiastic" about the changes made.

However, he said there would be a further trial period before considering any longer term plans.

"Throughout the ward refurbishment there have been no bed shortages," he said.

"As part of our normal, annual preparations for winter, we also have the capacity to increase the number of beds available very quickly.

"It has never been the case that we would expect patients to travel to Lothian, as suggested by Ms Grahame, for care that should be offered locally."