The practice, which had been struggling, was given a lifeline earlier in the year when more than 700 registered patients were moved across to neighbouring Lochmaben Medical Group.
Since then the town centre surgery has been reliant on locum cover, which was sometimes limited, but now there is light at the end of the tunnell for staff and patients.
Deputy medical director for Dumfries and Galloway Dr Grecy Bell this week said: “We’ve been very fortunate that concerted efforts around recruitment for Lockerbie Medical Practice have resulted in these new appointments.
“In addition to two new GPs, one of whom will serve as lead GP, we have been able to recruit an advanced practitioner to serve in the practice as well as an admin support officer.
“Meanwhile, work has taken place to develop the practice nurse team with the appointment of a new practice nurse, and the practice is benefiting from the introduction of the new national GP Triage scheme which helps ensure patients are seen by the right person at the right time.
“However, we’re by no means complacent, and are aware that an amount of work still lies ahead to put the practice in a better position to serve the community of Lockerbie.”
The practice is currently being supported by a locum GP and a salaried GP, both of whom are set to continue in post at least until the end of the year.
One of the two new GPs will take up post in November, and the other the following month.
Addressing the appointments, Dr Bell said: “We’re very pleased that two doctors from outwith the area have now taken up an opportunity to serve as new, permanent, full-time general practitioners within the practice.
“This is an important step towards re-establishing Lockerbie Medical Practice as a healthy, sustainable service.
“Nevertheless, we are under no illusions about the work that is still required.
“We would like to thank all patients registered at Lockerbie Medical Practice for their understanding, support and patience as we continue our efforts to get the practice into a much better position. We would also like to thank the staff at the practice.”
