Opening hours of Hawick walk-in clinic doubled as service is extended
Last updated 6th Jul 2026
The opening hours of the walk-in health clinic at the community hospital in Hawick are being extended.
From July 7th, the pilot service will run from midday until 8pm, Tuesday to Friday, and will also be open to patients registered with GP practices in Jedburgh and Newcastleton for the first time.
It was previously only available between 2pm and 6pm for patients registered with Mairches and Teviot practices in Hawick, and Selkirk Medical Practice.
And questions had been raised about its future after it was forced to close for two days last week due to what was described as "temporary staffing pressures".
But NHS Borders has revealed almost 400 people have used the clinic since it was launched at the end of April.
And more than 91 per cent of patients have rated their experience as "very good".
"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 health board spokesperson said.
"A small number of people who presented were redirected to services better suited to meet their needs."
The pilot is designed to end the 8am scramble for an appointment, and make it easier for people who are working to see a health professional out-of-hours.
NHS Borders says it will continue to monitor the service - although it's unclear whether it's still intended to expand it to seven days a week.
Patients who attend with a condition that is not urgent, or would be better treated elsewhere, will be directed to the most appropriate service.
Welcoming the announcement, Hawick Provost Clair Ramage said: "I wish it well and hope that it does succeed. I think it's something that's very much needed."
But she added: "Many members of the public think of it as an Accident and Emergency department, which it's not, and people are turned away because of that."
When is the Walk-In Clinic open?
The Walk-In Clinic is open from 12 noon until 8pm, Tuesday to Friday.
NHS Borders says opening days and times may change at short notice while the pilot continues, so patients are advised to check its website or Facebook page before attending.
How do I access the service?
Appointments cannot be booked in advance and patients should not phone Hawick Community Hospital to request one. Instead, people must attend the clinic in person, where appointments are allocated on arrival, subject to availability.
Depending on their needs, patients may be seen by a GP, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner or a Nurse.
The clinic operates within a safe daily capacity and, if all appointments have been allocated, staff will advise patients on the most appropriate alternative service.
What can the clinic help with?
The service is designed for new health concerns that have started within the previous two weeks.
These include pain or fever, throat, ear or chest infections, bladder or urinary problems, skin conditions such as infections and rashes, stomach or bowel problems, muscle, joint or back pain, headaches or dizziness, and changes or flare-ups in existing health conditions, such as an asthma attack.
What is the clinic not suitable for?
The Walk-In Clinic is not intended for medical emergencies, such as chest pain, severe bleeding or serious breathing difficulties, which require a 999 call.
It also does not treat minor injuries such as sprains, suspected broken bones or minor burns, which should be directed through NHS 111.
The service does not provide ongoing management of long-term health conditions, repeat prescriptions or medication reviews, blood tests, routine sexual health checks, sick notes or vaccinations.
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