New Appointment System
We have introduced a new appointment system at the practice. You are now able to book an appointment with a Doctor up to two weeks in advance. We also have Same Day Appointments with a clinician, which can be booked on the day if you are unable to wait to be seen.
Early Morning Opening
We are now open at 7am on a Tuesday morning for appointments that are already booked. These can be booked through our normal booking system.
We are not open for booking appointments, prescriptions, emergencies or telephone calls until the normal opening time of 8am.
The practice will close at 12.30pm on the following dates in 2012 due to our Staff Training.
- Wed 29th Feb
- Wed 23rd May
- Wed 20th June
- Wed 31st Oct
- Wed 28th Nov
Should you require a doctor at these times please call The Out Of Hours Service on 08454 24 24 24.
The Practice will be closed on the following dates for Public Holidays.
- Fri 6th April
- Mon 9th April
- Mon 7th May
- Mon 17th Sept
- Tue 25th Dec
- Wed 26th Dec
Please ensure that you have enough medication to cover you over the holiday period.
If you require a doctor over the holiday periods please call the Out Of Hours Service on 08454 24 24 24
Carers
Do you provide unpaid help or support to a relative, friend or neighbour who cannot manage to live independently without your help? If so please inform any member of staff as we may have information relevant to you or the person you care for including support services and benefits you may be entitled to.
Please ask at reception to speak to Morag and remember to keep reading the dedicated notice board for carers in waiting room 1 for the latest up to date information.
If you would like to request a Carer's Assessment please contact Social Care direct on 0131 200 2324 or e mail
socialcaredirect@edinburgh.gov.uk.
The following websites may also be useful to you:
Scottish Bowel Screening Programme
Did you know Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Scotland?
- Every year, 3500 people in Scotland are diagnosed with the disease?
- Every year, 1600 people die from bowel cancer in Scotland?
- Men have a higher risk than women?
- Early detection gives a better chance of cure?
Bowel screening prevents deaths from bowel cancer by finding and treating it early?
The Scottish Bowel Screening programme which is due to commence in May 2008 in Lothian will invite men and women aged 50-74 years to take part in screening every two years. Testing kits will be sent to patients' home addresses so it is vital that you keep us informed of your latest address.
The screening test looks for hidden blood in the bowel motion and is very easy to do. Test kits suitable for patients with disabilities are available on request. The test is then returned to the Scottish Bowel Screening Centre in Dundee.
If the test is abnormal, the patient will be contacted directly by the Bowel Screening Service who will arrange an appointment to explain the next stage of the test. There will be an option of a clinic or a telephone consultation. Colonoscopy is then the usual investigation as it is most effective for detecting bowel cancer. Patient's GPs will be informed of all abnormal test results.
For further information go to www.bowelscreening.scot.nhs.uk or call the helpline on 0845 270 0030.
Remember screening saves lives - don't be embarrassed about it!
IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR GP - DON'T WAIT FOR THE TEST.
Keep Well Project
Whinpark is currently one of the pilot practices for a national project called KEEP WELL. We are offering health screening for all our patients aged 45-65 so if you haven't received an invitation for this, one should be arriving soon. This, in the long term, is to try to improve health in Scotland and already we have patients who have benefited from advice or treatment through their Keep Well Appointments.
Make the Best Use of Your Pharmacy
Many pharmacies now offer a wide range of services which you may find beneficial and most are open 6 or 7 days a week. Pharmacists are able to advise you on choosing and using medicines; they can help you if you have problems using eye drops, inhalers, opening tablet bottles and so on. They can also offer advice on diet, exercise and support in giving up smoking. They may also offer services like cholestrol testing or blood pressure monitoring. Many pharmacists also keep records of patients' medicines and can monitor your medication if you are on them long-term. Pharmacists can also help with disability aids.
A number of our local colleagues can collect your prescription from the surgery and deliver medicine to your home.
Why not find out what your local pharmacy can do for you?
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