Tuesday April 21st 2026
NHS Borders
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
NHS Borders is asking the public to adopt a Scout Movement motto ahead of May’s Bank Holiday and ‘Be Prepared’.
In preparation for the upcoming public holiday on Monday, May 4, Borderers are being asked to check repeat prescriptions and order only what they need in advance.
An NHS spokesperson said: “It’s also a good idea to stock up on common over-the-counter medications so that you are ready to deal with any common illnesses such as coughs, colds or sore throats.”
On the public holiday some community pharmacists will be open and can provide expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and ailments and give advice about medicines.
But public dental services at Hawick Dental Centre, Coldstream Dental Centre and Galashiels Health Centre will be closed on Monday, May 4.
If you have a dental emergency during this time, please contact NHS 24 on 111.
Meanwhile, most health centres and GP practices in the Borders will be closed for the public holiday.
The following practices will be open:
Coldstream – Coldstream Medical Practice
Earlston – Earlston Medical Practice
Galashiels – Roxburgh Street Medical Practice
Hawick – Teviot Medical Practice
Kelso – Kelso Medical Practice
Lauder – Stow and Lauder Medical Practice
Melrose – Eildon Surgery
Newcastleton – Newcastleton Medical Practice
Newtown St Boswells – Eildon Surgery
Stow – Stow and Lauder Medical Practice
The NHS Borders spokesperson added: “Please seek the right care in the right place at the right time to help protect our services for those who need us most.
“Often your first port of call should be the NHS inform website. There are lots of self-help guides available for a wide range of ailments and illnesses, and information about services that are available to best meet your needs such as your local community pharmacy.
“Please remember that our Emergency Department is for critical, life-threatening situations such as a suspected heart attack, stroke or excessive bleeding.
“If you think you need to go to the Emergency Department but it’s not critical or life-threatening, call NHS 24 on 111, day or night, or contact your General Practice.
“If you attend and it is not a critical emergency, you will be redirected to the right care in the right place in the community or to self-manage at home. This redirection helps us manage resources effectively and ensures that those in critical need receive immediate attention.”
For more information about accessing healthcare in the Borders, please visit our website: www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/accessing-healthcare
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