Borders politicians Rachael Hamilton MSP and John Lamont MP have expressed their disappointment over the decision to close Chirnside GP surgery.
The politicians first raised concerns in August after NHS Borders, alongside partners at the practice, raised questions over its sustainability.
Ms Hamilton later wrote to Scottish Health Secretary, Humza Yousaf, calling on him to intervene to save the practice.
The surgery was 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.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“After raising this issue time and time again with Humza Yousaf, I am incredibly disappointed to hear that no viable solution could be found to save Chirnside Practice.
“I understand that partners from Merse Medical Practice and NHS Borders explored every option to save the practice.
“However this latest closure is symptomatic of an SNP Government that has presided over an appalling decline in rural healthcare provision.
“Patients in the Borders are continuing to lose lifeline services, being forced to travel further to access the care they need.
“I am calling for an urgent meeting with the Health Secretary to discuss where patients in Chirnside and surrounding areas can go from here.
John Lamont MP said:
“This is an extremely disappointing outcome because local people rely hugely on nearby health centres like this GP practice.
“My constituents need access to local NHS services. They should be able to get an in-person GP appointment whenever they need it.
“I am afraid this is all a consequence of an SNP Government that doesn’t understand the needs of the Borders. They have failed to recruit enough medical staff to rural areas and the direct result is the closure of essential services like Chirnside general practice.”
