A trade union has written to every politician representing the Scottish Borders to highlight “dangerous staffing levels” in local hospitals.

Unison claims serious breaches of safety guidelines are occurring daily due to a lack of nurses, auxiliaries and porters.

The letter says staff are unable to take proper rest breaks or log serious incidents in the reporting system.

NHS Borders said patient and staff safety was its number one priority.

Unison said working conditions in the area were regularly in breach of regulations.

Greig Kelbie, the union’s regional officer in the Borders, said: “We are getting regular messages from our members to tell us about the pressure they are under – and that they can’t cope.