BORDERS General Hospital remains at capacity as the region's health board continues to battle "extreme pressures".

NHS Borders has issued public pleas over recent days urging people to only attend the emergency department in "life-threatening" situations.

And in the latest update, the health board said it was dealing with lengthy queues as people wait to be let in.

An NHS Borders spokesperson said: "As the week progresses, we are still experiencing extreme pressures across the health and social care system, with the Borders General Hospital remaining at capacity.

"Our beds are full, and our emergency department is exceptionally busy, with long queues of people waiting to be admitted.

"Please only attend the department if it is a life-threatening emergency.

"If you do need to attend, it is likely that you may have a long wait to be seen. If you have a minor injury or urgent health problem which isn't life-threatening, call NHS 24 on 111.

"Calling 111 first will help us to reduce pressure on our staff and services and help you to get the right care in the right place – often closer to home and without the need to visit the Emergency Department.

"If your family member is fit to be discharged from hospital, please help us to get them home quickly when they are well enough by being ready and available to collect them or support their discharge to their next place of care."