Coldingham Branch Surgery and Dispensing Service

The Partners at Eyemouth Medical Practice have informed NHS Borders of concerns about their ability to continue running the Coldingham Branch Surgery and Dispensing Service.

In a letter to patients the reasons behind this have been outlined as follows:

• significant challenges in the recruitment and retention of staff within the Practice which make it very difficult to provide cover across the two surgeries

• the inability to offer patients a full range of clinical services from the Coldingham branch surgery which they feel is no longer fit for modern General Practice due to the limited facilities

• safety reasons when staff have to work alone in the Coldingham surgery because it presents risks to patients and staff

Dr Kirsty Robinson, GP Partner at Eyemouth Medical Practice, said: “We are working closely with colleagues at NHS Borders to explore these issues, and what measures should be taken to provide the best possible service to our entire practice population going forward.”

Chris Myers, General Manager for Primary and Community Services at NHS Borders, said: “Patients who are registered with Eyemouth Medical Practice have been sent a letter advising them of the Partner’s concerns about the sustainability of the Coldingham Branch Surgery and Dispensing Service. I understand their concerns.

“It is important that we now explore the impact it would have on patients if the Coldingham branch surgery closed and dispensing service ceased.

“I have written to all patients who have been invited to advise me of any questions or suggestions they have by Monday 9 August 2021.”

Further updates will be provided in due course.