This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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NHS Borders annual review
29/08/2006
The new Kelso Health Centre was officially opened today ahead of the Borders NHS Board's Annual Review.
The new centre will provide an extended range of health services from GP, dental and midwifery services to visiting consultants in specialties such as paediatrics, orthopaedics and psychiatry.
The annual review will covered areas such as: activity and efficiency, waiting times, regional planning, public involvement, finance and future plans.
Health Minister Andy Kerr said:
"Kelso Health Centre has been developed to deliver a wider range of services to Borders residents in their community. Improved accommodation and visiting consultants in areas like paediatrics and orthopaedics will help bring healthcare closer to the people and, in many cases, avoid the need for hospital access.
"Better facilities that are closer to home are something I want to see happen across the whole of Scotland. Kelso's new Health Centre is a great example of that shift."
Commenting on NHS Borders annual review, Mr Kerr said:
"But as well as highlighting success, and giving credit where credit is due, I also want to use these Annual Reviews to scrutinise local performance, challenge where necessary and drive forward further improvement.
"I believe NHS Borders can build on its previous success and further contribute to reducing waiting times for the people of Scotland whilst providing first class care.
"I want to see an NHS which is better, quicker, closer and safer. These reviews will help us deliver that."