SEEING THE GP: CONTINUITY IS KEY


At the Braids Medical Practice, we really value continuity of care with our patients, which means seeing the same doctor for as many of your appointments as possible and having a doctor who takes overall responsibility for your care. 


We know that this is really important for patients too, as it means not having to repeat your story and having a doctor that you can build a relationship and trust with. There is also evidence of real benefits to your health by promoting good continuity of care between doctors and patients. 


Research shows that with good continuity of care, patients are:


  • More satisfied and feel that they have good quality of care
  • More likely to have a good relationship with their doctor
  • Less likely to go to hospital or A&E as an emergency
  • More likely to take positive steps to look after their own health
  • More likely to live longer

 

Sometimes, waiting an extra few days to speak to or see 'your doctor', who knows you well and knows what is going on is the best thing for your health.  So please think... Do I have to be seen today by a different doctor? Do I need to speak about those results urgently with someone new?

Or would it be better to wait to see my doctor who knows me well instead? 


We will always flag up if results are urgent and need a discussion as soon as possible, so if the reception team advise that the doctor thinks it's OK to wait to see them specifically, please be guide by them.

 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.  Please be aware we are unable to arrange appointments by email request or provide medical care / advice via email. 

 Arranging to speak with a Doctor

Telephone appointments can either be booked on the day for urgent matters or in advance for routine matters. We will only arrange a phone appointment if you do not  need an examination.

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

More information about the MIA service can be found here 

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.
Call MIA Service
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.

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.