Friday November 28th 2025
Borders General Hospital
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
NHS Borders has issued an early plea for the public to ‘plan ahead’ as it announces its care plans for Christmas.
Winter is one of the busiest times for health and social care services.
NHS Borders has put a comprehensive Winter Plan in place to keep care moving, but the public’s help is required too.
By planning ahead and using services wisely, you can make a big difference for those who need urgent care most.
The next public holidays are on Thursday and Friday, December 25 and 26, and Thursday and Friday, January 1 and 2, 2026.
On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day no community pharmacies will be open. On December 26, 2025 and January 2, 2026 some community pharmacies will be open.
Members of the public are asked to plan ahead by checking their repeat prescriptions and ordering only what they need – ideally up to 10 working days in advance.
It’s also a good idea to stock up on common over-the-counter medications so you are ready to deal with any common seasonal illnesses such as coughs, indigestion or dehydration from sickness and diarrhoea.
All Health Centres and GP Practices in the Borders will be closed on December 25 and 26, as well as January 1 and 2, 2026 (with the exception of Newcastleton Medical Practice which will be open on January 2).
Practices will be open in between Christmas and New Year, however, please do not attend without an appointment. If you need to see your GP, please phone your practice.
Public Dental Services at Galashiels Health Centre will be closed on Wednesday, December 24 and will re-open on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Hawick Dental Centre and Coldstream Dental Centre will be closed on Thursday, December 25 and will re-open on Monday, December 29. They will also be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026 and then re-open on Monday, January 5, 2026.
If you have a Dental Emergency while Public Dental Services are closed, please contact NHS 24 on 111.
If you have an urgent but non-life-threatening issue call NHS 24 on 111. Only use the Emergency Department for serious emergencies like suspected heart attacks, strokes or severe bleeding.
For more information about accessing healthcare in the Borders, please visit our website: http://www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/accessing-healthcare
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