Seeing a GP
SEEING A GP
Most of our appointments are now face-to-face with the GP and you will only be able to speak with the GP over the telephone if you do not need an examination.
If your problem is not urgent, both phone and face to face appointments can be booked in advance and we would be grateful if you could book ahead with your usual GP. Where possible avoid calling at 8am to book an appointment unless you need to be seen that day.
Please continue to contact the practice by telephone in the first instance. We are also unable to arrange appointments by email request or provide medical care / advice via email.
Please support our practice team by complying with this guidance. We are doing our best to continue to provide your care in the safest way possible.
All consultations with a doctor at the surgery are by appointment only and are available daily from 8.30am to 5.20pm.
A trained member of our team will ask a few questions about the problem you are calling about so that they can make the most appropriate provision for you. This appointment may not always need to be with a GP. If you wish to book a phone or face to face appointment for that day we recommend that you call at 8am where possible
Arranging to speak with a Doctor
Telephone appointments can either be booked on the day for urgent matters or in advance for routine matters.
GP phone appointments are normally 10 minutes long, which is usually sufficient time to discuss one medical issue. If you have more than one medical issue to discuss, or you think your appointment might take longer than 10 minutes please let our receptionist know. A suitable amount of time can usually be arranged.
Seeing the Doctor
Most of our appointments are now face-to-face with the doctor in the Practice and these appointments can either be booked on the day for urgent matters or up to six weeks in advance.
GP face-to-face appointments are normally 15 minutes long, which is usually sufficient time to discuss one medical issue.
To reduce the spread of COVID to patients and staff we ask that you wear a face covering when attending the practice.
Urgent Medical Care
If you think you require urgent medical care please make our receptionist aware of this and they will make suitable arrangements for you to be contacted by the duty doctor
Home Visits
If your medical condition means that you are unable to attend the practice, you may need a home visit.
If possible please telephone the practice before 10.00am. You will be asked for some information in relation to your illness to allow the Doctor to evaluate the urgency of your request.
If the GP has asked you to have a video call you can find out how to do this here
Minor Injury Assessment (MIA) Service
NHS Lothian now offers a Minor Injury Assessment Service by video call for anyone over the age of 12 years old for injuries that are less than 5 days old.
They can provide care for such injuries as:
• Strains, sprains and suspected broken bones to limbs only (not back, chest or abdomen)
• Wounds and minor burns (not to face, groin or hands)
• Minor bumps to head and face (with no vomiting or loss of consciousness)
• Simple eye injuries
• Insect bites and stings with localised swelling and no evidence of allergic reaction
The ‘Call MIA’ service can be reached 24/7 by phoning NHS24 on 111. Virtual and face-to-face scheduled appointments are available between 10am-10pm, 7 days a week
You will be offered an appointment for a private and secure video call assessment with a specialist Nurse Practitioner.
If the specialist decides the injury needs treated, you will be ask to attend the nearest minor injuries clinic at a set appointment time, depending on severity.
Children under 12 years old with a minor injury should attend one of the services at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Western General Hospital or St John’s Hospital, but if under 1 year old should attend the Emergency Department at RHSC or SJH.
Private Consultations:
We are aware that when patients have a private consultation, treatments and medication can be recommended. Please be aware that certain medications recommended by these private clinicians may not be available as NHS treatments.
Having problems with your eyes ?
The Practice has limited scope to undertake eye examinations and therefore we would encourage you to make contact with an Optometrist (Optician) for any eye complaints.
All opticians have provision for on the day availability and can usually see you promptly for urgent conditions.
The Practice has limited scope to undertake eye examinations and therefore we would encourage you to make contact with an Optometrist (Optician) for any eye complaints.
All opticians have provision for on the day availability and can usually see you promptly for urgent conditions.
Podiatry
Did you know you can self refer to the Podiatry Service ?
Download the form here and return it to the address on the form. You will be contacted with a suitable appointment.
Did you know you can self refer to the Podiatry Service ?
Download the form here and return it to the address on the form. You will be contacted with a suitable appointment.
