Borders politicians Rachael Hamilton MSP and John Lamont MP have expressed concerns over the future of the Chirnside GP Surgery after NHS Borders, alongside partners at the practice, raised questions over its sustainability.
The surgery is part of Merse Medical Practice, who also manage the Duns surgery.
With staff stepping down and difficulties in recruiting replacements, the difficulties faced by the surgery in Chirnside are similar to those seen across rural areas in Scotland.
Ms Hamilton and Mr Lamont have requested an urgent meeting with NHS Borders Chief Executive, Ralph Roberts, in order to discuss the issue and look for a solution.
The Borders politicians have pledged to do all they can to stop the closure of the surgery in Chirnside.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“The situation in Chirnside is a nightmare for GP patients in the Borders. Less than a year ago, we saw the closure of the Coldingham practice for similar reasons.
“More recently I have been working with Jedburgh’s GP surgery to find a solution to the issues they are facing.
“Rural GP practices struggling to recruit new staff is sadly not new. I have written to the Health Secretary about this, yet here we are again discussing the potential closure of a vital service in the Borders.
“The Scottish Government need to address this problem urgently, and I will be engaging with them, alongside Merse Medical Practice partners and NHS Borders to find a solution.
“We cannot allow patients in the Borders to carry on losing these lifeline services and force them to travel further to access the care they need”
John Lamont MP said:
“Many local residents have contacted me with concerns about the future of Chirnside GP Practice. It was also raised by many people on my recent surgery tour. People are rightfully concerned about a potential closure.
“This would be very damaging for Chirnside and the surrounding communities. It would sadly follow a pattern of what we have seen in recent years of rural practices reducing or even closing services.
“I have asked to meet urgently with Ralph Roberts, Chief Executive of NHS Borders to discuss.
“More generally, it is clear that the Scottish Government needs to do more to encourage GPs to come and work in rural areas. There also needs to be more focus on getting students to pursue a career in general practice. This constant rollback of services cannot continue.”
