1 November 2018
An update on the outcome of the option appraisal process for the future of the Eildon Medical Practice sites was presented at the public meeting of NHS Borders’ board earlier today.
The paper, presented by Medical Director Dr Cliff Sharp asked the board to support further development of the financial appraisal in order to determine a final preferred option.
This request came following the completion of the initial two part option appraisal, the first part of which was carried out in consultation with members of the public including practice patients, councillors and representatives from community councils.
As it stands the top three ranked options are as follows:
1st - Option 4 - Sell existing Newtown St Boswells Site and rebuild Health Centre in alternative site in Newtown St Boswells whilst also retaining existing Melrose site
2nd - Option 3 – The practice sell Newtown St Boswells site and consolidate practice on refurbished existing Melrose Site
3rd - Option 5 - Sell both Newtown St Boswells and Melrose sites and build one new Health Centre on a site which serves both populations and consolidate all practice patients and partnership working at the new build site
Further detailed development work will now be undertaken to define more accurate costs per option based on a number of factors including the future scope of services that will be provided by the practice and discussions with Scottish Borders Council about the availability of suitable land to potentially build on in the Newtown area. It is anticipated that this work will take approximately three months to complete.
Commenting on the next stage of the process Dr Sharp said: "I fully understand how much the Eildon Practice means to the patients and residents of Melrose, Newtown St Boswells and the surrounding areas.
"We are in the midst of a process to determine the future provision of primary care services to the patients registered with the practice, following the decision of the Partners to withdraw from ownership of their practice building in October 2019.
"The level of engagement and participation from the community in the process so far has been really encouraging and I would like to assure people that this is a necessary step to ensure that the decision we take is based on the correct level of information.
"I would like to thank all those who have shown an interest in this project so far and will issue a further update in due course, on completion of the next stage of the option appraisal process."