"This medical practice saved my life"

I walked into Teviot medical practice on autopilot 2 and a half years ago ten minutes after seriously contemplating suicide. I was in floods of tears, shaking and had no appointment. The incredibly kind receptionist found a place for me anyway. She got me an appointment. Made sure I was OK before leaving me in the waiting room. I saw an amazing gp who set me on the healing journey they are still all helping me with today. The patient, competent, reassuring, compassionate help and advice of the many gp's, nurses, mental health and lifestyle advisors and receptionists who have helped me get back on my feet since then has been absolutely essential to my health and state of mind.

A few days ago I was walking back from yet another appointment (with Dr Lockie) and it hit me how incredibly lucky we are in Hawick to have such amazing support from such friendly, caring heroes. They have always made sure to explain the different treatment options to me very carefully, helped educate me on the effects of drugs I was too afraid to take, said the right things while I have cried and made sure I had outside support in place when I left their office. It's all too easy to take their intelligent compassion for granted when you are so in need of it. I sent the staff at teviot medical practice a Christmas present to try to say thankyou, and they sent me a thankyou letter in return. That's the kind of team this is.

To all the staff at this incredible practice, thankyou. Words will never be able to explain how much you help me, but they can express what you have done for me. You saved my life.