A BORDERS surgery facing “ongoing significant challenges” will close in a matter of months, the region’s health board has revealed.

Chirnside Branch Surgery, part of the two-branch Merse Medical Practice, has been facing difficulties with staff recruitment and retention, according to NHS Borders.

The decision has been made to close the Chirnside site at the end of March to ensure the practice – which also has a surgery in Duns – remains “viable”.

An NHS Borders spokesperson said: “After much consideration, NHS Borders Board Executive Team have agreed with the GP partners at Merse Medical Practice that in order to sustain the Merse as a viable practice, there is no longer any alternative option other than to close Chirnside Branch Surgery at the end of March 2023.

READ MORE: Convicted Borders rapist struck off the care worker register

“This is because of ongoing significant challenges in the recruitment and retention of staff within the Practice which make it very difficult to provide cover across the two surgeries.

“A letter has been sent to all patients registered with the Practice advising them of this situation. A public meeting and drop-in session has been arranged to give people the opportunity to ask questions and to advise how we plan to proceed with the branch surgery closure. This will include how we might look for solutions to accessibility and transport issues.”

The meeting will be held on Thursday, November 10 at 2pm in Chirnside Community Centre.

Patients will not need to find a new GP due to the closure, according to NHS Borders.

The main surgery location of the Merse Medical Practice is in Duns and all patients will be able to access services provided from there.