From tomorrow (7 July 2026) the Walk-In Clinic based at Hawick Community Hospital will operate longer opening hours from 12 noon to 8pm Tuesday to Friday, and also be accessible to patients registered with Jedburgh and Newcastleton Medical Practices.
This is in addition to patients with existing access who are registered with Mairches Medical Practice and Teviot Medical Practice in Hawick and Selkirk Medical Practice.
Almost 400 people have accessed this pilot service since its launch at the end of April with the aim of improving access for urgent primary care needs. With an average waiting time of between just 20 and 25 minutes, more than 350 people were seen and treated by the appropriate clinician to meet their needs which may be a GP, Nurse or Advanced Nurse Practitioner. A small number of people who presented were redirected to services better suited to meet their needs.
The Walk‑In Clinic adds to existing GP and community health services and is designed to help patients with new, short term health problems that need timely assessment but are not emergencies. The service is not available to children under 2 years of age or people who are pregnant. These patients should continue to contact their usual GP practice or another appropriate healthcare professional.
When is the Walk-in Clinic open?
Extended opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, 12 noon to 8pm
Opening days and times may change at short notice during the pilot phase. Please check NHS Borders facebook page or the website for the latest information before attending.
How do I access the service?
Appointments cannot be booked in advance. Please do not phone Hawick Community Hospital to request an appointment.
To access the service, you must attend the clinic in person. Patients will be allocated an appointment on arrival, subject to availability.
Depending on your needs, you may be seen by a GP, Advanced Nurse Practitioner or Nurse.
The clinic operates within a safe daily capacity. If all available appointments have been allocated, staff will advise you on the most appropriate alternative service.
What can the clinic help with?
The service is for new health concerns that have started within the past two weeks, including:
· Pain or fever
· Throat, ear or chest infections
· Bladder or urine problems
· Skin conditions, including infections and rashes
· Stomach or bowel problems
· Muscle, joint or back pain
· Headaches or dizziness
· Changes or flare-ups in existing health conditions, such as an asthma attack
What is the clinic not suitable for?
· Medical emergencies, such as chest pain, severe bleeding or severe breathing difficulties (call 999)
· Minor injuries, such as sprains, suspected broken bones or minor burns (call 111)
· Ongoing management of long-term health conditions
· Repeat prescriptions or medication reviews
· Blood tests
· Routine sexual health checks
· Sick notes (fit notes)
· Vaccinations
If you attend with a condition that is not urgent or would be better treated elsewhere, staff will direct you to the most appropriate service.
Feedback on the service has been overwhelmingly positive so far with 91.5% of patients rating their experience as “very good.”
NHS Borders say they continue to monitor the service as the pilot progresses and would like to thank people for their effective use of this new service.
