A BORDERS veterinary practice has announced plans for a new £1.4million clinic in Duns that will transform its care of pets.

Work is underway to turn a former children’s soft play centre into a state-of-the-art veterinary practice for Galedin Vets.

The practice has outgrown its current site in Station Road, Duns, which has limited facilities, and the new site will more than double the size of the branch, as well as enhance the service for clients and the care of pets.

Border Telegraph: Galedin Vet staff

The new practice in Putton Mill will boast modern, vibrant facilities, including: · four consulting rooms, - two operating theatres - X-ray and ultrasound for diagnostics - dental theatre - larger prep area - isolation area for poorly patients - separate cat and dog kennels - large reception and waiting room.

The new practice will also have an area at the back for procedures carried out on farm animals and a pharmacy for farm animals. It will not have equine facilities as equine vets are ambulatory only, so travel to stable yards to deliver care.

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Galedin, which has been caring for small animals, horses and livestock for almost 200 years, is the longest established veterinary practice in the Borders, and also has branches in Kelso, Coldstream, Berwick, Eyemouth and Innerleithen.

They hope work will be completed on their new Duns practice in summer 2023.

Border Telegraph: Galedin Vet staff

As well as serving current clients, Galedin Vets believes there is potential to expand its client base because of the growth of Duns and neighbouring areas.

Practice manager Sean Dickson said: “Duns has a population of around 2,753 and there are projections that this will grow by 1% by the end of the year, while Scottish Borders Council Local Housing Strategy for Duns and the surrounding area provides details of new housing, totalling 267 units by 2026.

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“There has been a huge rise in the number of pet owners and we have needed a larger practice for quite a while. There is potential for growth as and many of the people buying houses in the area will be looking for a practice that delivers the best possible care for their pets.

“The lack of consult rooms in our current site means we have to send a lot of cases to Berwick and Kelso and soon clients won’t have to do that. The new practice is going to transform what we can do as we can improve the quality of care for our patients.”

The 20 team members, including vets, nurses, reception and admin colleagues, will benefit from larger offices and rest room.

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Mr Dickson added: “There will be huge improvements for our colleagues as our current facilities are so cramped. They will have both better facilities and equipment to work with.

“Our colleagues had a say on what facilities they would like to see and ensure that the lay-out of the building works well for delivering the best care and comfort for patients.”