Sturgeon chairs NHS annual review

Ms Sturgeon is in the Borders to chair the annual review

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has been in the Borders to examine services available in the region.

She chaired the NHS Borders annual review as well as visiting carers and a disability forum in Galashiels.

Prior to her visit she said she hoped to discuss progress and future aims for developing healthcare services across the region.

Ms Sturgeon added that she was keen to see the links NHS Borders has established with local schools.

NHS Borders board chairwoman Mary Wilson said: "We are working hard to achieve our targets as this ensures our services continue to develop and improve.

"We believe it is important that our local communities take part in the annual review and have the opportunity to ask questions about our performance."

Ms Sturgeon said she believed NHS annual reviews could help "give credit where it's due, but also to tackle tough issues and drive forward improvements".

She said: "At this year's annual reviews extra time has been allocated to allow additional questions from members of the public attending the review.

"These meetings are a chance to question key decision-makers, who are shaping the way health services are delivered across Scotland."