NHS Borders

02/06/2026

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Fiona Sandford as Chair of NHS Borders.

Fiona has been a Non-Executive Director for 8 years and has been in the role of Interim Chair following Karen Hamilton’s retirement at the end of December 2025.

Commenting on her appointment Fiona said: “I am really pleased to take on the role of Chair at NHS Borders. Our patients are at the heart of everything we do and I am committed to supporting our staff and the Board to drive forward our organisational and clinical strategies. With a strong focus on prevention, community based care and improving outcomes, I am looking forward to working closely with colleagues, partners and communities across the Borders to deliver the changes needed for the future.”

02/06/2026

Working Health Services Scotland offers free, confidential support for individuals struggling with health issues that affect their ability to work. This can include:

- Stress, anxiety, and low mood
- Physical health conditions
- Workplace pressures and challenges

The service provides access to experienced professionals who can offer tailored advice, support plans, and practical strategies to help people stay in or return to work.

You can self-refer online at https://whss.salus.co.uk/ or phone: 0800 019 2211 to enrol today.

15/05/2026

12/05/2026

This week (11–17 May) is Mental Health Awareness Week, and we’re encouraging people across the Scottish Borders to take simple, positive actions to support mental wellbeing.

This year’s theme is taking action. Mental health can feel complex, but small, everyday steps can make a real difference.

This week, we’re asking people to think about taking action in three ways:

• For yourself – choose one positive action that supports your own mental wellbeing. Our Ways to Be Well guide shares simple ideas you can build into everyday life, from being active and connecting with nature to sleeping well and eating well.

• For someone else – you don’t need to be a mental health professional to help someone who may be struggling. Taking time to listen, offering space to talk and responding with compassion can make a real difference, as well as knowing where to find further support if it’s needed.

• For all of us – communities, workplaces and organisations all play a role in creating supportive environments. Through our Creating Hope Awards, launched in 2024, we’ve already recognised 30 groups and organisations across the Borders for taking positive action to support mental health and su***de prevention.

👉 You can read more information, find resources and learn more about the Creating Hope Awards here - https://www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/latest-news/2026/may/12/mental-health-awareness-week/

12/05/2026

Today we’re celebrating International Nurses' Day by recognising our amazing nurses and the difference they make to their patients and colleagues every day.

Please join us in saying a huge thank you to our nursing staff today for everything they do for our patients 👏

Watch a message below from Sarah Horan, our Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs).

07/05/2026

Staying in hospital longer than necessary can affect independence, mobility and wellbeing, particularly for older or vulnerable people.

When someone becomes unwell and does not have a Power of Attorney, families cannot step in to make decisions about care. Legal court processes are required, which can take months. During this time, decisions can be delayed, sometimes meaning people remain in hospital when they could otherwise be supported at home or closer to home.

A Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to. Anyone aged 16 or over can set one up, covering welfare decisions, financial matters, or both.

👉 Christine is back with another short video to share answers to some of the most commonly asked Power of Attorney questions.

07/05/2026

Could a walking aid benefit you?

Come along and chat to our Physiotherapy Team at local What Matters Hubs in May.

👉 scotborders.gov.uk/whatmattershubs

07/05/2026

Our maternity staff were very busy last month - welcoming 75 new babies to the Borders! 👶

We're proud of the amazing care and support they offer to families across the region every day.

See a summary of birth activity in the Borders during April below.

06/05/2026

We are delighted to announce that two of our staff members were recognised at the RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2026 last week:

⭐Michelle Brownlee, Healthcare Support Worker in the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU), was named runner‑up in the Nursing Support Worker of the Year Award category.

⭐ Karen Bacon, ITU Clinical Nurse Educator, was recognised as Highly Commended in the Learning in Practice Award category.

The awards ceremony took place last week at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, recognising excellence in nursing and celebrating the impact of nursing staff across Scotland’s health and care services.

Congratulations to you both on this amazing recognition! 🎉

Karen and Michelle are pictured below with some of their colleagues at the event.

👉 Read the full story here: https://www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/latest-news/2026/may/6/nhs-borders-staff-recognised-at-rcn-scotland-nurse-of-the-year-awards/