With the upcoming public holiday in the Borders, residents are being urged to prepare for potential disruptions to healthcare services.
The public holiday on Monday, June 15, is expected to see most health centres and GP practices closed, with only a few remaining open.
Those staying open include Coldstream Medical Practice, Earlston Medical Practice, Braeside Medical Practice in Galashiels, St Ronan’s Medical Practice in Innerleithen, Newcastleton Medical Practice, The Neidpath Medical Practice, and The Tweed Practice, both located in Peebles.
Residents are being encouraged to plan ahead by checking their repeat prescriptions and ordering only what they need in advance.
They are also advised to stock up on common over-the-counter medications, such as treatments for hay fever, coughs, colds, and sore throats.
While many services will be closed, some community pharmacies will remain open.
These pharmacies can provide expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and ailments, as well as advice about medicines.
Public Dental Services at Hawick Dental Centre, Coldstream Dental Centre, and Galashiels Health Centre will be closed on the day.
Residents experiencing a dental emergency during this time should contact NHS 24 on 111.
NHS Borders is reminding residents to seek the right care in the right place at the right time, to help protect services for those who need them most.
The NHS inform website is recommended as a first port of call, offering self-help guides for a wide range of ailments and illnesses, as well as information about services available to meet individual needs.
The Emergency Department is reserved for critical, life-threatening situations, such as a suspected heart attack, stroke, or excessive bleeding.
Residents are urged to call NHS 24 on 111, day or night, or contact their General Practice if they think they need to go to the Emergency Department but it is not critical or life-threatening.
Those attending the Emergency Department without a critical emergency will be redirected to the appropriate care in the community or advised to self-manage at home.
This system of redirection helps manage resources more effectively, ensuring those in critical need receive immediate attention.
For more information on accessing healthcare in the Borders, residents are advised to visit the NHS Borders website.
