PLEASE NOTE WE ARE SHORT STAFFED DUE TO STAFF ILLNESS PLEASE BEAR WITH US IF YOU ARE TRYING TO CALL IN ALSO FOR NON URGENT PRESCRIPTIONS PLEASE ALLOW A MINIMUM 72 HOURS BEFORE ATTENDING THE PHARMACY TO COLLECT
The Scottish Government requires General Practice and other healthcare settings to have different infection control and physical distancing guidance to other places such as hospitality and shops.
This is to help reduce the risk to practice staff and to people attending the practice who may be at greater risk if they catch Covid 19 or a Respiratory Infection.
The following rules still apply in General Practice:
- wearing of face coverings by patients and the public (unless you are exempt)
- physical distancing :
- 1 metre if no covid or respiratory symptoms
- 2 metres if covid or respiratory symptoms
- contact your practice by telephone in the first instance
- wearing of PPE by staff
- screening of all patients for Covid 19 and Respiratory symptoms
Please support your local practice team by complying with this guidance.
How are GP Practices working?
GP practices are open Since the pandemic, health services must operate differently to protect everyone. It’s important to maintain safe infection control and minimise unnecessary physical contact where possible. This means there are now more ways for you to access care.
What has changed? All appointments are being triaged. This helps keep you safe and makes sure that those who need to be seen in person are prioritised. We will see everyone in person who needs to be seen.
What is triage? This is an assessment to decide, with your agreement, whether it is best for you to be: • Seen in person, or
• Given advice over the phone or via video consultation, or
• Helped by another healthcare provider such as a community pharmacist, physiotherapist, dentist or optician.
Why do receptionists ask questions? GP reception staff are a vital part of the health care team and are there to triage enquires. You don’t have to tell them anything that makes you uncomfortable, however they can help you get the most appropriate appointment as quickly as possible. All the information they handle is treated confidentially.
I wanted to see my GP, so why am I seeing someone else? Many GP practice teams include, or are supported by, nurses, advanced nurse practitioners (who can diagnose and treat health conditions), occupational therapists, pharmacists, physiotherapists and link workers. By using the skills of each healthcare professional we can ensure you are assessed as quickly as possible by the right person.
What about emergencies? Always dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency. If you need help with minor injuries or urgent care when your GP practice is closed dial NHS 24 on 111.
Where else can I get help? Visit www.nhsinform.scot for advice on common symptoms and a list of local services or speak to your pharmacist first for advice on minor illnesses.
Call 111:
• for minor injuries
• for urgent mental health advice and guidance
• if you’re too ill to wait for your GP or dentist #to open.
Please be patient Our health services are under enormous pressure, but we are open and here if needed. Please work together with us to make sure you get the right care, in the right place, at the right time by the appropriate health professional for your needs.
Flu Vaccine / Covid Booster
In Edinburgh this year, if you are eligible for a flu vaccine, you will receive a letter. The letter will either give you an appointment, or instruct you to make an appointment using an online portal.
Patients who have not received a letter but are in one of the cohorts that should have been invited to an appointment please wait until November to call the National Helpline 0800 030 8013 to book an appointment.
Over 50s, pregnant people, unpaid carers and those at risk due to existing health conditions will be offered a flu vaccine. You may also qualify for a flu vaccine because of the job that you do.
Getting your vaccines is quick and easy
Make an appointment at a vaccination clinic
Staying healthy, safe and cared for is more important now than ever before. Protecting yourself from flu this winter is one way to do this. And it’s quick, safe and easy.
To check if you are eligible for a flu vaccine, or for more information, go to www.nhsinform.scot/flu.
You may also be eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccine this winter. If you are, you may be given both you flu and COVID vaccines at the same appointment. However, this will not always be possible, and you may have to attend two separate appointments. To find out more about the COVID boosters, visit NHS Inform
Please call the National Helpline 0800 030 8013 for rescheduling Covid & Flu appointments (if unable to do online)
Keeping people safe and healthy is a priority, so before the vaccine is administered, a nurse will ask some questions to make sure it is safe to administer the vaccine. You will also be asked to sit for a short period after you have had your vaccine, to make sure that you are not experiencing any side effects.
The 2-5 year influenza (flu) vaccination programme has now begun
Further information can be found on https://www.nhsinform.scot/flu-vaccine/the-vaccines/the-child-flu-vaccine.
If you have been requested to send a photo by email please send them in to BMC@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Please note only to send in photos if you have been requested to do so- if you feel you need the GP to review please call reception and book a consultation
Please note that by sending your photos in confirms your consent to add these to your medical file.
Please note you will receive a automated confirmation that we have received your email - please do not send any other requests via this service
Photos are emailed at your own risk from a non secure account.
IF YOU ARE SIGNIFICANTLY UNWELL WITH SYMPTOMS OF
NEW FEVER, COUGH OR CHANGE OF TASTE/SMELL
YOU NEED TO SEEK ASSESSMENT VIA THE LOCAL COVID ASSESSMENT CENTRE BY
CALLING 111
Should you have any of these new symptoms and be looking to confirm if they are COVID-19 then you can find information regarding testing at this link
Should our healthcare team feel your problem would be best reviewed by video call then we will give you a set appointment to use this link via Google Chrome/Safari
https://nhsattend.vc/70535
Please see the 'Appointments' section for more information on the ways we are adapting our services.
(Site updated 05/01/2022)