23 December 2020
This year has been like no other. Our local communities and people across the world have been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. It has been a real challenge for everyone both personally and professionally as our day to day lives have had to change in an attempt to suppress this relentless virus.
Staff at NHS Borders and across our health and care system have and continue to work incredibly hard to make sure that people in the Borders have access to the best care and support possible, no matter the circumstances. They have truly risen to the challenge in dealing with COVID-19. From preparing services for the virus reaching the Borders, providing care to those who contracted the virus, continuing to provide urgent care, planning the steady return of our services and now in the thick of what will be challenging winter.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff involved in the delivery of health and care, including our GP colleagues and community pharmacy teams for the incredible effort and dedication that they have displayed so far. The collaborative approach and team work throughout Health & Social Care, working in partnership with our colleagues at Scottish Borders Council and care providers has meant that as a team we have continued to provide care to the Borders population throughout the pandemic.
I would also like to say thank you to the public for their support, from clapping on a Thursday night, donating items to make our staff smile, displaying rainbows in your windows to simply playing your part in following the rules to protect yourself and our NHS. The next few months won’t be easy but if we continue with the same upbeat and caring community spirit we will soon be on the other side of this truly remarkable experience.
I would like to wish all of your readers a happy and healthy New Year.