A MAN who has spent the longest time in hospital with coronavirus in the Borders has urged others in the region to get vaccinated.

Scott Drummond, of Hawick, caught the virus in January and has since been hospitalised for 181 days.

The 52-year-old – who has had to learn how to speak again following his battle with the virus – was initially placed in the intensive care unit (ITU) where he spent three months.

Mr Drummond has since been moved to a ward to recover and is urging Borderers “to protect yourself and your loved ones” by getting vaccinated.

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“I caught COVID-19 in January before I was eligible for the vaccine,” the Borders’ longest hospital inpatient said. “Since then my COVID journey has been extremely worrying, uncertain and truly awful for both myself and my family.

“I was in ITU for around three months and on three occasions my wife was advised that it looked like I might not make it.

“Once I was stable enough I was moved from ITU to a ward for rehabilitation and on-going care as I had to learn to speak again and have been left with no power in my legs, arms and hands. 181 days later I am still here.

“If you are not sure about getting the vaccination or have any concerns I would say that the alternative – catching COVID unvaccinated – is something that you should absolutely avoid.

“I would not wish this on anyone.”

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According to NHS Borders, every person in the Borders aged 18 and over has now been offered a coronavirus vaccine.

Despite around 94 per cent of the region’s eligible population taking up the opportunity to get jagged, 5,500 people have not come forward for their first dose.

Meanwhile, around 3,500 people who had their first jag more than eight weeks ago have not returned for their second dose, says the health board.

Nicky Berry, NHS Borders director of operations, said: “We know that the vaccine is safe and has a positive impact on hospital admissions, reducing transmission and the severity of illness.

“We also know that COVID-19 can affect people of any age, so please protect yourself and your loved ones by coming forward to get vaccinated.

“This also includes coming forward when it is time for your second dose, please don’t leave the job half done.

“With the emergence of the Delta variant it is even more important that you get your second dose to ensure that you have greater protection against COVID-19.”