RESIDENTS across the Borders are urged to plan ahead if they need medical attention next week.

Health centres and GP practices in the Borders will be closed for the public holiday on Monday, with the exception of Roxburgh Street Medical Practice in Galashiels, Kelso Medical Practice, Newcastleton Medical Practice and West Linton Medical Practice.

The Medical Practices in both Lauder and Stow will also be open.

During public holidays, the emergency department at Borders General Hospital and the out of hours service often receive unusually high numbers of patient contacts.

Health bosses advise that, by planning ahead and knowing who to turn for medical attention, the public can play a vital part in helping the teams to save the emergency department for emergencies.

NHS Borders has issued the following advice: “If you or someone you care for is unwell and can’t wait until your GP surgery re-opens, contact the NHS 24 helpline on 111. If the condition is immediately life threatening, dial 999 for an emergency ambulance.

“Make sure you order and collect repeat prescriptions in good time to ensure you have enough medicine to last over the holiday weekend.

“Please check with your local pharmacy to see when it will be open or visit www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/public-holidays.”