A CONTRACT for the major refurbishment of Earlston Health Centre is set to be awarded by NHS Borders at the end of next month.

The health board has taken to the Public Contracts Scotland website, inviting expressions of interests from potential main contractors for the work at the four-GP medical practice in Kidgate.

NHS Borders says the design specifications of the revamp have undergone a “fairly rigorous process”, involving input from service users and other stakeholders.

The contract notice states: “A recent review has identified areas of the existing premises to be refurbished and extended to provide additional and improved GP/clinical, visiting services and ancillary accommodation and general internal alterations…all designed to enhance the facilities and environment for the delivery of health care services at the site.

"This includes some supplementary external works associated with the new extension.

"During the construction period, the GP and other health care services will remain in situ for the delivery of regular daily clinics for patients.

"The construction works will therefore be phased…to facilitate and maintain clinics and services.”

Potential contractors have until March 1 to participate in the tendering process, with the contract due to be awarded on March 31.