NHS Borders announce all GP and dental closures ahead of public holiday

NHS Borders is advising residents to plan ahead for closures of GP and dental services ahead of a public holiday. The organization urged people to order repeat prescriptions in advance and stock up on common over-the-counter medications. On the day, some community pharmacies will still be open: Peebles’ Right Medicine Pharmacy will operate from 9am to 5:30pm, while West Linton Pharmacy will be open in two windows, from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm. Public dental services at Galashiels Health Centre will close, but Coldstream Dental Centre will open only for pre-booked routine appointments; Hawick Dental Centre will be available for emergencies via the Dental Enquiry Line. Most GP practices and health centres across the Borders will also close, though several will remain open, including practices in Coldstream, Earlston, Galashiels, Hawick and Kelso. NHS Borders directs people to NHS Inform for self-help guidance and reiterates that the Emergency Department is for critical, life-threatening issues.