NHS Borders has reappointed its chair for another four-year term.

Karen Hamilton has been in the position since 2019 and was a non-executive director for six years prior to her appointment.

She said was looking forward to continuing to “serve the public across the Borders”.

“I am delighted to be appointed as chair of NHS Borders for a further four years,” she said. “It is a privilege, a pleasure and I look forward with pride to continue to serve the public across the Borders.

“It is a privilege because I have been able to lead and build a refined and focused team who have and continue to work tirelessly to recover and improve services. The COVID-19 pandemic shook the NHS to its very core and I do not underestimate the challenge that we face in getting back to where we were prior to March 2020.

“Waiting times for surgery, quick treatment or admission to a ward when attending our emergency department and timely discharges from hospital when our patients are ready to go home. These, in addition to many other issues, present daily pressures met with fortitude and resilience by our staff.

“It is a pleasure because when I meet with staff (either as a ward volunteer or as chair of the organisation), going about their daily work I am met with smiles, heads held high and a positive and caring attitude despite the difficulties of maintaining services under pressure.

“Last but not least, pride as I look forward to my second term as chair, I will continue to provide strong leadership towards the continuous improvement of health and social care services advocating for the people across the Borders and working to recover from the impact that the pandemic has had on us all.”

Ralph Roberts, chief executive at NHS Borders, said: “We are delighted that Karen has been reappointed as chair for another term. I know that she will continue to bring enthusiasm and commitment to the role.

“I look forward to continuing working with her to make sure that NHS Borders performs well and delivers the changes we need to sustain high quality and affordable local services for our population."