29 May 2025
Following a successful procurement exercise we are pleased to advise that the General Medical Services contract for Duns Medical Group (DMG) has been awarded to Merse Medical Practice. Merse Medical Practice is the neighbouring GP Practice based in the Knoll Health Centre, Duns.
The General Medical Services provision contract to run DMG will be transferred to Merse Medical Practice on 1 October 2025. From this date DMG patients will be registered with Merse Medical Practice.
NHS Borders has been operating Duns Medical Group under our management since November 2022. By returning the Practice to Independent Contractor status patients will experience increased continuity of care from a regular group of GPs, enhancing the patient experience.
Patients have been made aware of this change by letter. A list of frequently asked questions, is available below:
| Question(s) | Answers |
| What happens if I need to see a doctor before the contract handover date of 1 October 2025? | There will be no change to how you book an appointment, order a prescription, request a home visit or contact Duns Medical Group during this time. All current services will remain the same. From 1 October 2025, you will contact Merse Medical Practice. |
| Will I still be able to get my prescription? | |
| Will I still be able to have a home visit whilst before the contract handover date of 1 October 2025? | |
| Does this will mean it will take longer to get a GP appointment? | Appointments are allocated based on clinical need, there will be no changes to the number of available appointments during this exercise. |
| I am expecting a new family member in my household. Can they still register with Duns Medical Group before 1 October 2025? |
Yes, you will still be able to register new babies or new family members with Duns Medical Group until 30 September 2025. The practice will also still be accepting new patients until 30 September 2025.
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| I am new to the area with no family already registered with Duns Medical Group. Can I register as a new patient? | |
| Will I need to register with Merse Medical Practice? | No. All patients currently registered with Duns Medical Group will automatically become registered patients of Merse Medical Practice on the 1 October 2025. |
| What happens if I do not want to transfer to Merse Medical Practice? | Unless you live in a catchment area that is also covered by another GP practice, then you will only be able to be registered with Merse Medical Practice from 1 October 2025. We understand that this is different to what people have been used to, however is the same as other areas in the Scottish Borders including Kelso and Coldstream. |
| If I was a patient with DMG, how do I contact Merse Medical Practice from 1 October 2025? | Merse Medical Practice can be contacted by phone on 01361 885030.
Address: Knoll Health Centre, Station Road, Duns, TD11 3EL www.mersemedicalpractice.co.uk |