27 November 2025

Winter is one of the busiest times for health and social care services. We’ve put a comprehensive Winter Plan in place to keep care moving, but we need your help 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 25 and Friday 26 December 2025 and Thursday 1 and Friday 2 January 2026.

Community Pharmacies

On Christmas Day (25 December 2025) and New Year's Day (1 January 2026) no community pharmacies will be open. On 26 December 2025 and 2 January 2026 some community pharmacies will be open.

Please plan ahead now by checking your repeat prescription and ordering only what you 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 that you are ready to deal with any common seasonal illnesses such as coughs, indigestion or dehydration from sickness and diarrhoea.

Health Centres & GP Practices

All Health Centres and GP Practices in the Borders will be closed on25 & 26 December 2025 as well as 1 & 2 January 2026 (with the exception of Newcastleton Medical Practice which will be open on 2 January 2026).

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.

Dental

Public Dental Services at Galashiels Health Centre will be closed on Wednesday 24 December and will re-open on Monday 5 January 2026.

Hawick Dental Centre and Coldstream Dental Centre will be closed on Thursday 25 December and will re-open on Monday 29 December 2025. They will also be closed on Thursday 1 January 2026 and then re-open on Monday 5 January 2026. 

If you have a Dental Emergency while our Public Dental Services are closed, please contact NHS 24 on 111.

Right Care Right Place

Help us to keep healthcare moving this winter by seeking the right care in the right place at the right time to help protect our services for those who need us most.

Often you should start with NHS inform for self-help guides and community pharmacies for help with minor illness. Pharmacists can help you stay well by offering advice on your medicines and providing expert care for a range of common illnesses and ailments.

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.

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