INFECTION control in Borders hospitals is continuing to improve, according to the latest figures.

During 2016/17 wards across the region were closed in total for just 14 days - less than a sixth of the 2013/14 high of 87 days.

Norovirus, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting, remains the biggest cause of closures.

In the year up to April 2017, ward 12 at Borders General Hospital was closed for six days in total because of the virus.

Norovirus was also responsible for a day-long closure of ward 9 at the same hospital and the Cauldshiels unit for four days.

During 2016/17 Kelso Community Hospital was also closed to visitors and new patients for three days because of a flu outbreak.

The figures show that Norovirus was responsible for all 22 days of closures during 2015/16, and also the seven days lost the previous year.

During 2013/14, which remains the worst in recent memory, there were 15 outbreaks of Norovirus leading to leading to five different wards at the BGH being affected as well as Cauldshiels and community hospitals in Peebles and Hawick.

And diarrhoea and vomiting was responsible for the 48 days of closure in 2012/13.

NHS Borders employs an Infection Control Team to provide training, inspections, cleaning advice and outbreak management.