New 'walk-in GP clinic' to open in Hawick
Last updated 24th Feb 2026
NHS Borders has announced a new walk-in GP clinic is set to open in Hawick.
The healthcare facility, which will be set-up in the town's Community Hospital, will allow patients to receive same-day, non-emergency medical care "for minor illnesses and urgent care needs", from GPs or nurses, without an appointment.
It's part of a Scottish Government initiative designed to end the 8am scramble for a doctor's appointed and reduce pressure on the Emergency Department at Borders General Hospital.
The pilot service, which will operate Monday to Friday, is due to open at the end of April.
A spokesperson for the local health board said: "The clinic will (give) people easier access to clinical assessment for issues that need attention the same day but are not an emergency.
"The clinic is designed to complement existing NHS Borders services, not replace them, by helping manage urgent demand, reduce pressure on practices and improve access times for patients.
"As part of the pilot we will carefully check how patients feel about the service, how it affects waiting times and how it works alongside existing GP and urgent care services."
Those attending at the walk-in clinic will be seen by a multidisciplinary team which may include: GPs, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, and Staff Nurses.
"On arrival people will be assessed and either treated within the clinic or signposted to the most appropriate service such as their own GP practice, community pharmacy or the Emergency Department at the Borders General Hospital if necessary," the health board states.
"The new walk-in clinic fits with our Clinical Strategy to make sure that Primary and Community services are the first point of contact for most people, supporting early intervention and ensuring people can easily access the right care at the right time.
"Work is now underway at pace to set this facility up and we will share further updates, including a confirmed launch date, as plans progress."
The first walk-in centre opened in Edinburgh on February 11th, with 16 planned across the country.
First Minister John Swinney said: “With centres open 12-8pm, seven days a week, and based in easily accessible locations in our communities across the country, this is part of a package addressing the 8am rush that has frustrated so many of us - easing capacity pressures on family doctors.
“By establishing a series of walk-in clinics we can ensure people are seen by a clinician at a time that works for them. Our programme will help us deliver over one million additional GP and nurse appointments.
“This complements our £531 million landmark investment in core General Practice. With GP numbers up, long waits down and new walk-in GP clinics being tested across Scotland, it is clear we are making real progress in our NHS and I am determined to continue driving forward improvements.”
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