NHS Borders has chosen its next medical director.

When Cliff Sharp retires later this summer, he will be replaced by Lynn McCallum.

Dr McCallum, of Peebles, is a consultant physician who has worked at the Borders General Hospital (BGH) for the last five years.

She said she is “truly delighted” about taking on the new role.

She added: “As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, we have a real opportunity to build on some of the changes we have made, and to redesign and rebuild healthcare services that meet the needs of our community.

“Involving colleagues and our communities with this work is critical, and I look forward to taking this forward in the coming months and years.”

NHS Borders chief executive Ralph Roberts said he is “delighted” about Dr McCallum’s promotion.

He said: “She will bring her extensive clinical experience as well as her passion to the role and I am looking forward to working with her to continue to modernise and improve our local health services in the Borders."

Dr McCallum has also held the position of clinical director for unscheduled care at the BGH.

She previously worked at the Royal Infirmary Edinburgh and undertook her training at hospitals across the south-east of Scotland.

Earlier this year, Dr McCallum spoke to the Border Telegraph to give an insight into working on the front-line during the pandemic.