THERE is a “strong sense of team spirit” in the Borders, according to the chairwoman of the region’s health board.

Karen Hamilton, who has held the role at NHS Borders since 2019, wrote the comment within a message on the coronavirus vaccination programme.

In the message, issued yesterday (Thursday, February 26), Ms Hamilton describes the vaccination programme as a “huge undertaking” but adds that she is “so proud of the way everyone has pulled together”.

Karen Hamilton’s full message

The COVID-19 vaccination programme is one of the biggest logistical challenges we have faced as a society in modern history.

Since the programme started in December over 38,000 people in the Borders have received their first dose.

The co-ordination of the programme is a huge undertaking. Our staff and partners have worked tirelessly to ensure that we get these vital vaccines to as many people as soon as possible.

The way in which our teams have come together to achieve our common goal in getting as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible has been incredible to see.

We have a strong sense of team spirit here in the Borders which has been further strengthened during this pandemic and the subsequent vaccination programme.

I am so proud of the way everyone has pulled together. Over a third of our adult population have been vaccinated so far which is testament to the hard work of everyone involved.

I would like to say a huge thank you to our staff who truly have gone above and beyond to make this happen, our GP colleagues who have helped us vaccinate people in our first two Waves and to both Scottish Borders Council and Live Borders for helping us set up our community venues.

I would also like to thank you, the Borders public, for being patient and coming forward ready to roll up your sleeve to be vaccinated when it is your turn.