PATIENTS waiting for health appointments in the Borders now face the ‘sounds of silence’ after health bosses pulled the plug on paying for a music licence.

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

The opening financial position as of 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 respond to increased demand and the cost of investments needed to deliver new health technologies and services.

Against that backdrop, health bosses have taken the decision to no longer pay for the PPL PRS music licence.

Essentially, this will mean that patients in receptions and waiting areas across health facilities in the Borders will now have to sit in silence while they wait for their appointment.

Given that patients can face lengthy waits, NHS Borders bosses accept the decision will prove unpopular – but insist it is necessary to address the serious financial situation they face.

A NHS Borders spokesperson said:  “NHS Borders has a financial savings target of £28 million this financial year.

“As part of cost savings associated with our financial improvement programme, it has been agreed that NHS Borders can no longer sustain paying for the PPL PRS music licence for our reception and waiting areas.

“We recognise that this is an unpopular decision with staff and patients however it is an example of the reality facing us when it comes to making difficult choices.”