NHS Borders is experiencing “significant” pressure at the region’s biggest hospital.

The health board urged people to only attend the emergency department at Borders General Hospital in ‘life-threatening’ situations.

It issued a social media plea earlier this week.

An NHS Borders spokesperson said: “We are currently experiencing significant pressure at the Borders General Hospital. 

“Please only attend the department for life-threatening emergencies.

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

“Calling 111 first will help us to reduce pressure on our staff and services and help you to get the right care in the right place – often closer to home and without the need to visit the emergency department.

“If your family member is fit to be discharged from hospital, please help us to get them home quickly when they are well enough by being ready and available to collect them or support their discharge to their next place of care. 

“This will help to keep the flow through the hospital moving and offer care to the maximum amount of people who need it.”