MEMBERS of the public will have the opportunity to scrutinise the future direction of NHS Borders next month.

The health board’s Annual Review will be a chance to hear from board members about their current challenging position and the methods being considered to address it.

It is to be staged on Thursday, August 22, from 2.30pm to 3.30pm in the Chaplaincy Centre at Borders General Hospital.

NHS Borders has launched plans to to slash its budget by more than ten per cent.

The opening financial position in April 2024 was a recurring deficit of £28 million.

Without any cost savings being made this overspend will rise to around £40 million at the end of March 2025 because of inflation, the need to response to increased demand and the cost of investments needed to deliver new health technologies and services.

A NHS Borders spokesperson said: “We are currently facing unprecedented challenges in planning and delivering healthcare services in the Borders.

“To address our challenges, we must innovate and adapt our approach.

“This may mean making some difficult decisions about the services we provide.   

 “The annual review is an opportunity for you to hear and ask questions about the Board’s performance in 2023/24 and our future plans.

“The session will include a presentation from our chair, Karen Hamilton, followed by an open question and answer session.”

Anyone wishing to attend the annual review should email public.involvement@borders.scot.nhs.uk or call 0800 731 4052 before August 2.  

 It will also be possible to stream the session online.

If you wish to ask questions but you are attending virtually, please submit questions before July 18 by emailing public.involvement@borders.scot.nhs.uk or writing to: Public Involvement Office Freepost RTLY-BYGC-AHCY NHS Borders Room 2EC3 Education Centre, Melrose, TD6 9BD.

While members of the public are actively encouraged to ask questions during the Q&A session, it will not be possible to answer patient-specific questions.