Hospital emergency department under 'significant pressure'
Getty ImagesA health board has warned that its main hospital's emergency department is under "significant pressure".
NHS Borders said the Borders General Hospital near Melrose was "exceptionally busy".
It warned it was facing "high attendances and a number of people waiting to be admitted".
It urged people only to attend for "life-threatening emergencies" and warned that they may have to wait longer than usual to be seen.
The health board advised people with any other health concerns to seek "the right care in the right place".
It said that included NHS Inform self-help guides, community pharmacies or NHS 24.
There is also a walk-in clinic at Hawick Community Hospital for patients registered with the town's Teviot and Mairches practices or Selkirk Medical Practice.
"If your family member is fit to be discharged from hospital, you can help by being available to collect them or support their move to their next place of care," the health board added.
"This helps us get the flow through our hospitals moving and offer care to the maximum amount of people who need it.
"Thank you for your understanding and co-operation."
