Community steps up campaign over local urgent care
Efforts to secure a dedicated minor injuries unit at Hay Lodge Hospital in Peebles have been revived, with local representatives citing strong public backing and pressing concerns about access to care outside normal hours. The matter was revisited at the latest Peebles Community Council meeting on Thursday 9 July, where members reported gathering more than 100 submissions from residents supporting an on-site unit.
Community council chair Peter Maudsley has raised the issue formally with Calum Kerr MSP (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale). Mr Kerr has, in turn, sought discussions with NHS Borders and has written to its chief executive to underline local concerns.
“We will see what happens, but it is an emotive subject in the town,” Mr Maudsley said. “People have had an injury within the premises, gone for help and they refused it and told them to go to the Borders General Hospital. I think it’s crazy.”
Travel burden to Melrose highlighted
Residents repeatedly point to the 23‑mile journey from Peebles to Borders General Hospital in Melrose for out‑of‑hours minor injury care. While routine minor injury support is available during weekday in‑hours at local GP health centres, community councillors say the distance and timing can be a barrier for some patients when incidents happen in the evening or at weekends.
NHS Borders acknowledged the concerns about travel and access, but said its arrangements are designed to ensure patients are assessed and directed to the most suitable place of care. A spokesperson said the health board was not planning to reintroduce out‑of‑hours provision at Hay Lodge or to establish a new unit elsewhere at this time.
“We understand the concerns raised about access to minor injury services in the Peebles area, including the impact that travel to Borders General Hospital can have for some patients,” the spokesperson said. “Anyone with a minor injury should call NHS 24 on 111. They will receive a clinical assessment and be directed to the most appropriate care, which may include local services or, where clinically required, a scheduled appointment at the Minor Injury Unit at Borders General Hospital.”
What is currently available in Tweeddale
NHS Borders sets out the following weekday in‑hours options for minor injuries across Tweeddale:
| Location | Service window |
|---|---|
| Hay Lodge Health Centre, Peebles | Weekday in‑hours minor injury services |
| St Ronan’s Health Centre, Innerleithen | Weekday in‑hours minor injury services |
| West Linton Health Centre, West Linton | Weekday in‑hours minor injury services |
Outside these periods, patients assessed by NHS 24 may be directed to the Minor Injury Unit at Borders General Hospital for a scheduled appointment where clinically appropriate.
Local feeling and next steps
The renewed push in Peebles reflects a broader conversation about how urgent but non‑emergency care is delivered in rural and semi‑rural parts of the Borders. Community leaders say the volume of comments collected to date indicates a depth of feeling about having treatment closer to home, particularly when injuries occur at times when GP practices are closed.
For many households in Tweeddale, the concern is not only distance but also transport options, road conditions and the time lost to what can be relatively straightforward assessments or treatments. Advocates for a local unit argue that addressing minor injuries locally could alleviate pressure on the Melrose site, reduce travel for families and older residents, and improve patient experience.
In its statement, NHS Borders was clear about the current model and added:
“There are currently no plans to reopen an out‑of‑hours minor injury service at Hay Lodge Community Hospital or to establish a new minor injuries unit elsewhere in the Borders.”
Practical advice for residents
While discussions continue between elected representatives and NHS Borders, residents are encouraged to follow current pathways for minor injuries:
- Call 111 for NHS 24 to receive a clinical assessment and direction to the most appropriate care.
- Use weekday in‑hours minor injury services at local health centres in Peebles, Innerleithen and West Linton where suitable.
- Attend the Minor Injury Unit at Borders General Hospital by scheduled appointment when advised.
The community council has indicated it will await the outcome of the MSP‑facilitated meeting with NHS Borders before considering further steps. In the meantime, organisers say they will continue to gather feedback from residents to reflect local experiences and needs.
The debate over a dedicated minor injuries unit at Hay Lodge is likely to remain high on the agenda in Peebles, as campaigners seek a solution they believe better reflects the geography of the area and the demand for timely, local treatment.
