NHS Borders says it is “truly sorry” after cancelling all scheduled routine operations for the remainder of this week and next week.

The region’s health board made the announcement at 5.16pm today (August 11).

An NHS Borders spokesperson said the health board is “currently facing significant pressure”, with “very high demand for in-patient beds, including rising numbers of patients who are being admitted with COVID-19”.

Patients affected by the announcement are being contacted directly, according to the health board.

The spokesperson said: “In common with health boards across Scotland, we are currently facing significant pressure in the Borders General Hospital and across the wider health system. There is very high demand for in-patient beds, including rising numbers of patients who are being admitted with COVID-19.

“As a result we have taken the difficult decision to cancel all scheduled routine operations for the remainder of this week and next week. Affected patients are being contacted directly.

“We fully recognise the distress caused by this unavoidable decision and are truly sorry. We can assure you that the situation remains under constant review. All urgent, cancer and emergency surgeries will continue during this time.

“Our incredible staff continue to work tirelessly to treat the patients in their care across all our services and we are immensely grateful to them. Please continue to treat them with the respect they deserve.

“This week Scotland has moved beyond Level 0. This change shows that we are on the right path to being able to deal with this virus differently thanks to the COVID-19 vaccination and testing programmes.

“However it remains crucial, especially with the rise in COVID-19 admissions and the continued easing of restrictions, that we all continue to be responsible and follow the rules that are in place in order to protect each other and our local health and social care services.

“COVID-19 is still circulating, is highly transmissible and continues to pose a threat to us. We also know that it 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 to ensure that you have greater protection against COVID-19.”