A MEMBER of staff at NHS Borders has been charged over the alleged theft of donations from the Margaret Kerr Unit.

A probe was launched at Borders General Hospital last spring after concerns were raised about missing donations and fundraising money.

The Margaret Kerr Unit opened just over five years ago following a major public fundraising effort.

The region's only purpose-built palliative care unit has continued to be well supported with donations.

The regular flow of cash helps pay for improvements to the unit and its garden, patient transport costs, complimentary therapies as well as free refreshments, and to develop end-of-life care services.

But when claims over missing money began to surface, police were brought in.

One insider told us: "It has not been a nice place to work as suspicion has hung over everyone."

The police investigation was completed last month and a 36-year-old man has been charged with theft.

A meeting between staff and NHS bosses took place last week to provide them with an update.

A spokeswoman for NHS Borders told us: "NHS Borders has been assisting Police Scotland with their enquiries since early 2017.

"The Margaret Kerr Unit is dear to people’s hearts and benefits from hundreds of generous donations every year.

"Our process around handling of cash donations has been strengthened in light of this matter.

"If there has been a loss it will be made good by the health board.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "A 36-year-old man has been charged following the theft of money from a unit within the Borders General Hospital.

"A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."

It is understood the accused is due to appear at Selkirk Sheriff Court later this month.