IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS - UPDATED 2 MARCH

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure patient and staff safety, the way we normally offer services is currently different.  Information on any changes to services offered or the way these are offered will be posted on this page.  Please keep checking here for updates as this is an ever changing situation.

General Practice will be different for the foreseeable future as we have to ensure social distancing in the same way that every other organisation does.  We do not have the physical capacity to deal with the same volume of patients as we did previously but we are here to help so please ask for help if you need it.   Mondays are particularly busy at present so if your problem can wait please consider calling later in the week.

Some of the ways things will be different include:

• Telephone triage and telephone consultations will continue and video consulting may become more widespread with face to face consultations being the exception

• The practice may look different - you will be guided through various routes, the waiting room will have less chairs, there will be visible distancing markers, you may have to queue outside the building

• Clinical and non-clinical staff will continue to wear PPE - masks, gloves, aprons, face shields

• Social distancing should be adhered to at the practice as it is in any other environment

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE UNWELL

As at 2 March, our doors remain closed for walk-in patients and there is currently no access through the building between Ladywell East and Ladywell West.  Both of these measures allow us to minimise footfall in the practice, maintain social distancing and, primarily, ensure the safety of patients and staff.   

Although our doors are closed, we are working at full capacity, just in a different way to which we operated before coronavirus.   We are now consulting, in the main, by telephone but we are still seeing a small number of patients face to face upon invite by the clinician where there is a clinical need.

Reception staff are available on our telephone lines from 8.00am - 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.  Results are available on the phone after 10.30am

We are currently not pre-booking appointments but we ask that you do not hesitate to call us if you have a health concern as we do not wish you to risk delay of diagnosis or treatment.  We would ask that you consider the urgency of your health concern before calling. 

The demand for appointments has increased greatly in the past few weeks.  Please be assured that we are offering our maximum number of appointments available.  Whilst the appointments are mainly via telephone they still take at least the same amount of time as a previous face to face appointment would.  Face to face appointments are taking longer due to the extra safety measures taking place.  On days when demand is extremely high and/or staffing levels are low the GPs may conclude that they are only able to deal with urgent matters and you will be advised of this by reception staff.   This allows us to ensure we are providing as safe a service as possible for the patients who urgently require our attention.

Following your telephone call, the doctor or nurse may decide that you should have an appointment and will explain the process of attendance to you.   We may also suggest a consultation via an alternative method and this will be discussed with you if appropriate.

If you are invited into the surgery, we ask you to please wear a face mask or some sort of face covering, if you are able to do so.

We would like to thank every patient and visitor who has and continue to help us to implement our restrictions.  We appreciate that this is a frustrating time and you may be anxious about health matters but please be patient and kind to our staff and adhere to any requests for information.  We have had a few incidents lately where our Reception team have been subject to abuse when taking calls from patients.  We are all working hard to serve our community at this time and your patience and support is very much appreciated.

SERVICES NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

The majority of services are now back up and running but there are several services which continue to be suspended.   This is an ever changing situation so please be aware of this when discussing with reception staff.

• Travel vaccinations - suspended for the foreseeable future.

• Ear syringing and ear checks.

• HGV medical examinations - these have been suspended for the foreseeable future, however, the Government has announced that drivers who require an HGV medical examination can apply to have their licence extended.

• Adoption/Fostering and other medical examinations - suspended for the foreseeable future.
• Private blood tests

CHANGES TO CURRENT SERVICES 

Prescriptions

We are experiencing a very high volume of prescription requests at present.

Both the practice and the pharmacies have timescales for processing your request.   The practice processing timescale is 2 full working days after we have received your request.  Your pharmacy may have an amended policy for collection or delivery times, please ensure you are aware of their timescales.  Only order what you require as over-ordering puts more pressure on the surgery and the pharmacies.

The pharmacies are also very busy with telephone calls asking if prescriptions are ready for collection.  Please try to limit telephone calls to allow them to prepare the prescriptions.

Prescription ordering:  Please order your prescription via one of our online services or put your written request in the letter box outside.   Please also nominate a pharmacy for your prescription to be sent to.  You can find detail of our online services in the prescriptions section of our website.

Prescription collection:  All prescriptions are being sent to a pharmacy for patient collection.  Please advise when ordering which pharmacy you would like your prescription sent to.  You will then collect your prescription directly from the pharmacy meaning you only have to make one trip out.

Preferred pharmacy:  If you would always wish your prescription to go to the same Pharmacy you can advise us and we can add a preferred pharmacy to your record.    Should you change your pharmacy please let us know otherwise your prescription will continue to go to your original preferred pharmacy.

GENERAL INFORMATION 

Isolation note

Get an isolation note to give to your employer by clicking on the link below and answering the questions.

You can send an isolation note to your employer as proof you need to stay off work because of COVID-19.

You don’t need to get a note from a GP.

Get an isolation note questionnaire

 Can't get an isolation note?

You need to contact your employer if you require to shield from COVID-19 due to underlying conditions but are currently well. Please don't phone 111 or your GP.

Welfare Rights Officer

Should you require any welfare rights advice please call the Granton Information Centre office on 551 2459 or 552 0458.   They are not seeing patients face to face but aim to do as much work as possible over the phone.   If you are a new client you will be sent a mandate in the post which you will need to complete, sign and return to them directly before they will be able to do the phone appointment with you.   They will give you all the information you require.

PLEASE BE AWARE OF OUR CURRENT WORKING SYSTEM - DETAILS ON "UPDATES TO PRACTICE SERVICES" SECTION - AS AT 2 MARCH

Clinics & Services

Practice Nurses

The practice nurses possess a wide range of qualifications and see patients for general nursing procedures (dressings, stitch removal, ear syringing, first aid), health promotion, hormone therapy checks and contra­ception (including emergency contraception).

The following appointments are also available:

• Adult immunisations (for travel, please make an appointment at least six weeks in advance)
• Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination
• Cervical smears
• Heart disease prevention / stroke
• Diabetes
• Asthma / respiratory
• Dressings

Other Services provided by either the GP or Nurse

• Antenatal and postnatal care
• Child health surveillance
• General contraception advice
• Insertion and removal of Nexplanon
• Removal of coil
• Minor surgery
• Minor injuries
• Care of patients addicted to drugs

Child immunisations

Child immunisations are provided by a Nurse who works for a central team within the NHS providing this service.  The Nurse comes to the Practice to undertake the appointments.  This team provide all the information on appointments.  Should you need to re-arrange or cancel your appointment please telephone the number on the letter which is 0131 536 0465.

Neuroprogressive and Dementia Research Register

 Are you affected by Neuroprogressive Conditions?

NRS Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network (NRSND Network) is the leading NHS organisation in Scotland for clinical research into memory impairment, dementia and other neuroprogressive conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and Motor Neurone disease (MND).

The network runs a portfolio of clinical trials that are investigating the effects of new treatments and questionnaire-based studies that can be competed at home.

 Are you interested in taking part in clinical research?

We are asking people that have a neuroprogessive condition and are interested in taking part in research studies to sign up to our Permissions To Contact scheme (PTC scheme).

By providing the network with your contact details, network staff can contact you about research studies that you are suitable for and you can decide whether or not to take part.

Signing up to the PTC Scheme you only agree to be contacted about relevant studies.

For further information please contact the NRSND Network either by email:

tay.ndntayside@nhs.scot or by phone on 01382 423086 and leave your name and contact details and someone from the network will get back to you.

Travel Vaccinations

If you are travelling abroad and think you may require travel vaccinations or have any queries relating to foreign travel you need to make an appointment with the Practice Nurse to discuss your travel arrangements.  Unforunately, due to time contraints, our Nurses are unable to provide travel advice via telephone.

It is important to contact the Practice as far in advance of your travel as possible, at least 6 weeks in advance, as the vaccines have to be ordered and given time to work.  Should your trip be in less than 2 weeks time the Nurses will not be able to see you and will direct you to another Service.

When you contact the Practice you will be asked to collect a travel questionnaire.  You can come into the practice and get one in advance, you can download it below or you can collect on the day of your appointment.  Please complete one for each person travelling with details of your travel plans. 

Please make an appointment with the Practice Nurse and bring your completed questionnaire to the appointment.  If you are completing on the day please arrive around 10 minutes early in order to allow time to complete the form.

Many travel vaccinations are covered by the NHS but a number are not and as such we have a system of charging for these private vaccinations.   We do not provide all vaccinations at the Practice so you may be advised to attend another Service.  If you do not require any vaccinations the Nurse will still provide you with travel advice.

When you attend your appointment the Nurse will administer any NHS or private vaccines.  If you receive private vaccines, you will be given your invoice and should pay this at Reception.

 
Travel questionnaire  Download the travel questionnaire form here

........................................................................

Information on whether travel vaccinations or malaria tablets are required for holiday abroad can be found on the following NHS website:

www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Alternatively you can contact one of the local Travel Clinics:

OMNICARE - 509 QUEENSFERRY ROAD, EDINBURGH - 0131 336 2861

EDINBURGH TRAVEL CLINIC - 5 QUALITY STREET, EDINBURGH - 0330 100 4200

SUPERDRUG - 83 PRINCES STREET, EDINBURGH - 0131 220 2783

WESTERN GENERAL HOSPITAL TRAVEL CLINIC -  LEAVE A MESSAGE AND RECEIVE A CALL BACK THE NEXT DAY FOR ADVICE - 0131 537 2882

BARNTON PHARMACY - 195 WHITEHOUSE ROAD, EDINBURGH - 0131 339 3449

WWW.MYBARNTONPHARMACY.CO.UK

BOOTS - PRINCES STREET, EDINBURGH - 0131 225 8331, OPTION 3.  THEY ALSO HAVE AN ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM WITH APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE MONDAY TO SATURDAY  10.30 - 16.00 -  WWW.BOOTS.COM/TRAVELHEALTHSERVICE    

 Some costs are provided below.

Certain vaccinations are available on the NHS for overseas travel, and there is no charge:

Polio
Tetanus
Diphtheria
Typhoid
Hepatitis A

All other vaccinations are not covered by the NHS and there is a charge of £30.00 per vaccinaction. Please note this only includes the charge of administration of the vaccine, there is still a charge payable to the chemist to obtain the medication:

Hepatitis B
Meningitis including A,C,W and Y
Cholera
Japanese Encephalitis
Tick borne encephalitis

If Rabies or Yellow Fever vaccinations are required the Nurse will discuss this with you when she phones you to arrange an appointment.

The cost of a private prescription for malaria tablets or for any other medication solely for travel abroad is £15.00. Again, there will be a separate charge payable to the chemist which is dependent on the type of medication and duration required.

Travelling in Europe

If you are travelling to Europe a very useful booklet has been published with advice and guidance to help you get the most out of your holiday. To visit please click:- http://ec.europa.eu/publications/booklets/eu_glance/86/en.pdf (this is a large document and may take a minute or two to view)

There is further information about countries and vaccinations required on the links below

Europe & Russia	North America
Central America	South America
Caribbean	Africa
Middle East	Central Asia
East Asia	Australasia and Pacific

Sickness Certificates

You do not require a medical certificate, now called a 'Statement of Fitness for Work’ (known as a 'fit note') for any illness causing absence from work for a period lasting seven days or less. 

Evidence that you are sick

If you are sick for seven days or less your employer can ask you to confirm that you've been ill. You can do this by filling in a form yourself when you return to work. This is called self-certification.  Your employer may have their own version of the self certificate form for you to complete. Otherwise, form (SC2)  is available from your employer or on the HMRC website.

If you are sick and off work for more than seven days, your employer can ask you to give them some form of medical evidence to support payment of SSP (statutory sick pay).  They will probably ask for proof of your illness. Most employers ask for a 'fit note' from your GP.

However, this will also depend on your employer's company policy on sick leave (or sickness absence). This policy should tell you how many days you can be off sick before you need to provide proof of illness or a 'fit note'.

You could also provide evidence from someone who is not a medical practitioner, e.g. a dentist. Your employer will decide whether or not this evidence is acceptable. If your employer has any doubts, they may still ask for a medical certificate from your GP.

Should your employer insist that you are issued with a 'fit note' for a period of sick leave lasting seven days or less this is likely to attract a fee from your GP.

Statement of Fitness for Work - ’Fit Note'

The 'fit note' was introduced on 6 April 2010. With your employer's support, the note will help you return to work sooner by providing more information about the effects of your illness or injury.

The dates on the 'fit note' are inclusive (for example: a 'fit note' dated from 2 April to 10 April will no longer apply from 11 April).

The 'fit note' belongs to you, the patient, and you should retain it. Your employer(s) will probably take a copy for their own records.

Your doctor cannot forward date a 'fit note (ie cannot date it to start in the future) but may be able to back date it (ie cover days already past).

Going back to work

You should go back to work as soon as you feel able to and with your employer’s agreement - this may be before your 'fit note' runs out. You do not need to go back to see your doctor before going back to work. This applies even if they have asked to assess you again but please do attend if you feel it is necessary. Your doctor cannot give you a 'fit note' stating that you are ‘fit for work’.

For more information see A guide for patients and employees This is part of the  DirectGov website (where this information was sourced)

Non-NHS Services

Some services provided are not covered under our contract with the NHS and therefore attract charges on a private basis.  We ask patients to pre-pay for some of these items.  Reception staff will advise you of this and the fee when you enquire.

You can find the policy here and in the Further Information section of the website under Practice Policies and Procedures.   Non-NHS work: Pre-paid fees policy for patients

Legal and other reports may also require some time to prepare as these are often done by the doctors outside the normal working day.

Examples include the following:

• Medicals for pre-employment, sports and driving requirements (HGV, PSV etc.)
• Insurance claim forms
• Prescriptions for taking medication abroad
• Private sick notes
• Vaccination certificates
• Certain travel vaccinations (see relevant section)
• Power of Attorney / Guardianship forms

The fees charged are based on the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested scales and our reception staff will be happy to advise you about them along with appointment availability.

Please note, the Partners will not sign photographs to confirm identity.

A selection of fees can be found here  Non-NHS work: fee list as at 1 February 2021

This is a service which allows you to enjoy the convenience of interacting with the practice at any time of the day or night, wherever you are.  With this service you can:

Order repeat and acute (special request) prescriptions

View and cancel booked appointments

This service is provided via www.patient-services.co.uk

How to register

There is a simple three stage registration process:

1.  Complete a registration form and have your identity verified - you can collect the form from the practice or print here.  If you are printing here please remember to bring your ID with you to the Practice.

Patient Online Services - Registration Form

2.  Bring the completed form in to the practice so we can verify your identity, preferably via photographic ID, but we will also accept proof of address.  We need a separate registration form and ID for each person registering.

Once your identity has been verified at the Practice we will enter your details onto your registration record at the Practice and send you an e:mail link so you can set up your account.

3.  Open the e:mail, click the link and use the details within to set up your online account and start using the online service.

For further information on using the service please see the patient information leaflet

Patient Information - How to set up your account

Points to note

The service is for patients aged 16 and over only.

The service links directly to your individual patient record, therefore, each patient must have their own individual e:mail address to access the information.  

If you are a representative of a patient who wishes to use the service on their behalf both you (as the representative) and the patient should sign the registration form.  ID for you both must be brought to the Practice at the same time as brining the registration form.

The Practice has no direct access to your account once you have set it up.  The username and password and unique to you.  This is the same as any other online account you set up, e.g. online banking, shopping etc.

Please ask at reception if you have any questions about the above information or about registering for the service.

Patient Care Navigation or Signposting, as you may also hear it called, allows us to help patients get the most appropriate source of help or advice, as quickly as possible.  You may wonder why this is something new.  The significance of this is that the most appropriate help or advice may not always be provided by a doctor.

It is becoming more widely recognised that there are many other health professionals and specialists who can help with medical problems.  In addition, we have many policies and procedures within the practice and patients cannot possibly be expected to know them all.  Sometimes an appointment with a doctor is not necessary to do the things you need to do.

Information gathering

In order to allow us to navigate you to the most appropriate help reception staff will ask each patient who requests an appointment with a doctor the reason they are asking for the appointment, as they currently do for nursing appointments. 

Why are we gathering information?

Reception staff are members of the practice team and are asked to collect this information by the doctors.  By having this information it:

• help doctors prioritise house visits and phone calls
• ensure that all patients receive the appropriate level of care
• direct patients to see the nurse or other health professional or specialist rather than a doctor, where appropriate

Please be assured that reception staff will not be providing clinical advice.  They will be asking for information and may advise you on another health professional or specialist who could help with your problem.  They may also advise on procedures at the practice.  For example, many patients do not realise that you do not need to have an appointment with a doctor in order to ask for a prescription or sick line.

Looking for more privacy?

All staff members are bound by strict confidentiality rules.  Should you wish more privacy you can ask to speak to a member of staff in private away from the reception desk or if you feel your issue is personal and do not wish to provide details then this will be respected.

Other people who can help you

Some of the other health professionals and specialists who can help you are detailed below:

Dentist:  Any teeth or mouth problems should be seen by a Dentist.  They have specialist knowledge and equipment and many can prescribe.

Optician:  Any eye problems should be seen by an Optician.  They have specialist knowledge and equipment and many can prescribe.

Pharmacist: Can deal with - coughs, colds, sore throats, urine infection, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, emergency contraception, warts and verrucae, thrush, piles, hayfever, smoking cessation.

Podiatrist: Deal with heel and foot pain, painful nails, corns.  Please collect a referral form from reception.

Physiotherapist: Deal with muscle or joint problems.  

Midwife:  Midwives can help with any pregnancy related issues or questions. 

Mental Healthcare Team:  The Samaritans or Breathing Space are there for you to talk to or if you have emergency concerns about your own mental health or that of a close friend/family you can contact the Mental Health Assessment Service (MHAS).

Social Care Direct:  You can contact the team if you have concerns about the safety of an adult or child at risk of harm.  If you need help due to illness, frailty or disability.  If you are a carer and have concerns about the person you care for.

Drug and Alcohol Problems Team:  There are drop in clinics in Clermiston, Muirhouse and South Queensferry.

Please see the NHS Inform Health Information section on the right for further information.