NHS Borders has issued a plea to the public with its emergency department “exceptionally busy”.

A spokesperson for the health board urged people to only attend the department if it is a “life-threatening emergency”.

They added that wait times were longer than usual.

The spokesperson said: Our emergency department is exceptionally busy, with a number of people waiting to be admitted.

“Please only attend the department if it is a life-threatening emergency.

“If you do need to attend, you should expect to wait longer than usual to be seen. If you have a minor injury or urgent health problem which isn't life-threatening, call NHS 24 on 111.

“NHS 24 will signpost you to the right place to get the advice or care that you need. You may need to wait a while for your call to be answered or for a member of the team to call you back, but this can be done in the comfort of your own home. If you do need to be seen, you may be given an appointment time to minimise the time you need to spend in the department. This also reduces pressure on our team.

“Thank you once again for your understanding and cooperation.”