Monday October 19th 2026
Great Tapestry of Scotland
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Health services in the Scottish Borders will come under public scrutiny next month.
NHS Borders Annual Review, to be staged in the Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels on Tuesday, November 17, aims to showcase the progress being made in delivering a clinical strategy for the region.
Patients, carers, staff and members of the public are invited to attend the review.
It provides an opportunity to hear about progress made over the past year, learn more about priorities for the future and take part in an open conversation about healthcare in the Borders.
This year’s event will focus on progress in delivering NHS Borders Clinical Strategy and Population Health priorities, including how it is working to provide more care closer to home, improve access to services, support better mental health and well-being and tackle health inequalities.
Attendees will hear about key areas of work such as maternity services, efforts to reduce waiting times and developments such as the Selkirk Neighbourhood Development Project.
Information will be shared on the development of the health trust’s Organisational Strategy and what the recent Scottish Government Programme for Government announcement could mean for health and care services in the Borders.
Alongside these updates, the Annual Review will showcase examples of innovation, improvement and partnership working from across the organisation.
Through stories from patients and staff, attendees will hear about the difference services are making in people’s lives and the dedication of teams working every day to deliver high-quality care.
Fiona Sandford, Chair of NHS Borders, said: “The Annual Review is an important opportunity to reflect on the impressive progress we have made together over the past year, be open about the challenges we still face and share our ambitions for the future.
“Our Clinical Strategy sets out how we will transform health and care services to meet the needs of our communities, both now and in the years ahead.
“This year’s Annual Review will highlight the progress we are making, the improvements already underway and the opportunities ahead as we continue to deliver safe, effective and sustainable services for the people of the Borders.
“Most importantly, it is an opportunity to hear directly from our communities, patients, carers and staff. I would encourage anyone with an interest in local health services to come along, ask questions and be part of the conversation.”
If you would like to attend the Annual Review in person, please advise of any support requirements before 31 October 2026 by emailing communications@borders.scot.nhs.uk or calling 0800 731 4052.
There will also be an opportunity to attend the meeting online. Please contact NHS Borders if you would like to join virtually and details of how to access the event will be provided. A recording of the session will be available afterwards.
Anyone wishing to submit a question in advance is asked to do so by 11:59pm on Saturday 31 October 2026 by emailing communications@borders.scot.nhs.uk or writing to:
Public Involvement Office
Freepost RTLY-BYGC-AHCY
NHS Borders
Room 2EC3 Education Centre
Melrose
TD6 9BD
While NHS Borders encourage questions during the session, please note that patient-specific queries can not be answered.
Tweet Share on Facebook
