THREE Borders GP medical practices are to merge in the face of “unprecedented challenges”, it has been announced.

The Ellwyn Medical Practice and Glenfield Medical Practice in Galashiels and O’Connell Street Medical Practice in Hawick will be merging into one practice from April 1.

The merged practices will be known from that point on as Mairches Medical Practice – the old Scots word for Scottish Borders.

The move is based on the belief that the practices will be stronger together as individually they face serious recruitment challenges.

A spokesperson for the Ellwyn Medical Practice said: “General Practice is facing unprecedented challenges, with difficulty recruiting doctors and nurses, as existing staff move on or reach retirement age.

“The difficulties following the COVID-19 pandemic have only made the situation worse, and the current climate is likely to affect our ability to deliver contracted services in the future, with small and single-handed practices being at particular stronger.

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“The Ellwyn and Glenfield practices already have close links, working in the same health centre for many years. The O’Connell Street Practice in Hawick is in the fortunate position of having a large primary care workforce, with the ability to staff a second site.

“The GPs have known each other for several years and a merger seemed like a logical progression.”

Following the merger Ellwyn Medical Practice will continue to operate from the existing premises at Galashiels Health Centre and O’Connell Street Medical Practice.

The spokesperson added: “So in reality patients will not notice any major changes to the service they currently receive.

“The main change will be related to staffing. The GPs currently based at O’Connell Street will also be working in Galashiels, adding to the existing teams.

“We have already started the transition and GPs are currently working in both Ellwyn and Glenfield practices in preparation for the merger.

“Drs Jhooti and Treliving will continue to consult, but there will also be the option of consulting with other GPs, if you wish. Following the merger, Dr Sim will be retiring from General Practice.”