Health chiefs 'not ruling out' reopening GP practice, as community hospital set to close for up to six months

The Knoll Community Hospital and Health Centre in Duns could be closed for up to six months, it's been confirmed.

Eight patients have already been moved, with the Berwickshire site expected to be fully cleared by the end of next week.

It comes after a survey by structural engineers brought in following the discovery of RAAC - a dangerous concrete which is prone to collapse - flagged "an issue with the roof construction", which requires urgent action.

NHS Borders' Director of Finance, Estates and Facilities, Andrew Bone told Greatest Hits Radio: "There are areas of the site that are unaffected, so there may still be some opportunities for services to continue. But the inpatient ward will unfortunately have to close.

"At the moment, what we're doing is closing beds as we work through where patients can be safely transferred to other NHS estate within the Borders."

But he added: "The intention is that the site (in Duns) will be fully reopened in its existing use within a period of six months - obviously that's subject to timescales being confirmed."

The move is expected to increase pressure on Borders General Hospital, which has issued four warnings in as many weeks, advising the public to only attend the Emergency Department if they're condition is life-threatening.

Outbreaks of flu and chickenpox have added to the health board's winter woes, with nine outbreaks of Covid also recorded in local hospitals in the three months up to Christmas.

Sarah Horan, Director of Nursing Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals at NHS Borders, said: "We did have a peak of around seven to ten days where the pressures were significant. I'm happy to say it feels like that has reduced, but we're not out of the season yet."

She added: "The message to the public of the Borders is: 'If you need our emergency department services for urgent care, we are there for you. If you're unsure if you need our care, please call 111. It's a much better experience to sit in your own home - if you feel well enough - and wait to get advice that way'."

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A suggestion has been made to reopen the GP surgery in Chirnside, which closed in March 2023, while the neighbouring practice in Duns is shut.

Mr Bone said: "The reason why that Chirnside branch was closed originally was because of that impracticalities of trying to sustain practices across two locations.

"We're still focussed at the moment on trying to maintain the practices in as close to their current operating model as possible."

But he added: "I don't want to rule anything out."

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A similar survey of the community hospital in Kelso is still being finalised but NHS Borders says there is no indication of any immediate risk at that site; while the phase two survey of Jedburgh Health Centre has only just commenced.

Chief Officer Chris Myers said: “I recognise the impact this situation is having on our staff and the people who live in Duns and the surrounding areas. I want to reiterate that NHS Borders is committed to undertaking the remedial works and returning the Knoll Community Hospital and Health Centre to a fully functioning facility. 

“I would like to thank all staff involved for their continuing hard work, our patients, their families and carers and the community of Duns and the surrounding areas for your patience and understanding.” 

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