The health minister Andy Kerr has ordered the closure of two hospitals in Jedburgh and Coldstream. For along time NHS planned to close the hospitals in the border as part of a revamping of services . This led to the closure of the 80-year-old nine-bed Queen Margaret Hospital in Jedburgh and the 14-bed complex at Coldstream. But the campaigners in both towns worked hard to save the community hospitals. The Jedburgh Provost Len Wyse said that the decision would be challenged in the courts. He said that they presented a reasonable view to the health minister against the closure of the two hospitals but the minister did not listen to them. But Mr Kerr said that he did this in the best interest of the local communities to provide high quality, safe and sustainable services.
Action group financial expert, George Burt said that they provided proof to show that the figures shown by the NHS were wrong but the minister had ignored them. Ancrum community council chairman, John Greenwell was saddened by the community service offered in the 21st centaury. Scottish Borders Councillor Hugh Wight said that the people of Jedburgh especially the elders have to travel to Hawick or elsewhere. On the other hand the chairman of NHS Borders Tony Taylor said that £12 million would be spent on the hospital for modernizing the existing facilities and £2.7 million for other services. He also said that the government intends to discuss the issue with the appropriate community representatives.
