Borders General Hospital deaths inquiries separated
Two separate inquiries will be held into the deaths of two pensioners at the Borders General Hospital within eight months.
Annie Mercer, of Galashiels, died at the hospital in September 2007.
Peter Short, 79, of Norham, near Berwick-upon-Tweed, died suddenly at the same site in May 2008.
It had initially been decided that since both patients had received the same blood-thinning drug that a joint inquiry would be held.
However, following a preliminary hearing at Selkirk Sheriff Court it was agreed they should remain separate, as Sheriff James Farrell has to deliver a formal determination for each death.
The inquiry into the death of Mrs Mercer will start on 2 August, with the case involving Mr Short due to begin two weeks later.