Hospital 'raid' claims contested

Admission levels at the Borders General have come under scrutiny

Claims of "cross-border raids" on health services have come under fire from two Lib Dem MSPs in the Borders.

SNP MSP Christine Grahame raised fears about the number of people from Northumberland receiving treatment at the Borders General Hospital.

Both Jeremy Purvis and Euan Robson have hit out at what they called a move for "a barrier to be put up at the Border".

NHS Borders said the level of patients crossing the border was small and they received payment for those treated.

Ms Grahame raised the alarm over the situation expressing concern about the impact on Borders residents receiving services.

There are many cross-border links in health services that have existed for years and rightly so Euan Robson MSP

She said she wanted to ensure that priority for treatment was given to people from the region.

Her Lib Dem counterparts said the comments were "disgraceful".

"These comments show a petty nationalism that should come way behind caring for people on either side of the border," said Mr Purvis.

"A practice that is going on with proper funding mechanisms has always gone on and should continue to go on."

Patient interest

He also highlighted the needs of people who might have family on both sides of the border in need of treatment.

"There are many cross-border links in health services that have existed for years and rightly so," agreed Mr Robson.

"This has been routine with reciprocal funding in place and ought to be encouraged to make the best use of all facilities in the interests of patients."

He said any attempts to "block off the border" would only be disruptive to patient care.