Below you will find a very handy guide to community health services in Midlothian and how to use them. A significant amount of doctors appointments could have been taken care of by a different health-care professional, help us protect your NHS.
There are lots of services that can help you if you are unwell. This guide gives information and advice about how and when to use services in the best way. Keep it handy.
The most important type of care is selfcare. Selfcare is about looking after ourselves so that we stay healthy. It’s also about taking care of ourselves when we are ill. Before asking for an NHS appointment, why not think about how you can help yourself? You might find the following websites and phone numbers useful:
Advice 24 hours a day on health problems
Advice on what to do if you have cold or flu symptoms
Includes fact sheets about looking after yourself when you are ill
Healthy living
For advice on healthy eating, exercise and stopping smoking:
For help to stop smoking, ask your pharmacist or contact:
If you are interested in exercise and being more active visit:
If you are over 50 and want to be more active:
For information about local activities and support to get out and about:
Your community pharmacist can give you advice or treatment for many minor illnesses such as:
If you are over 60, under 16, or receive certain benefits, you can use the NHS Minor Ailment Service. This means you can receive advice and free treatment from your community pharmacist for minor illnesses and conditions. Ask at your local pharmacy.
Practice nurses are experienced in dealing with many conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes and a range of minor illnesses such as chest, urine and ear infections, as well as skin conditions.
Many can prescribe medications and arrange investigations. It is often quicker to get an appointment with the Practice Nurse than a GP. Ask your GP practice receptionist for advice on whether the nurse might be able to deal with your problem.
If you have a problem with your teeth, gums or mouth, contact your dentist. If you don’t have a dentist and you want to find one near you:
If you don’t have a dentist and need urgent treatment, you can go to a walk-in centre in Edinburgh:
You can contact the physiotherapy service directly for muscle and joint problems such as back, neck, hip or knee pain. They can give advice and an appointment if necessary. 0800 917 9390 or go to www.nhsinform.scot/msk
If you have a foot problem you can go to:
Or, if you think you need an appointment with a Podiatrist, you can refer yourself – ask for a referral form at your GP practice.
For advice and treatment for children and babies:
For problems like red eyes, painful eyes and visual problems such as floaters, cataracts and other changes in your vision, you can make an appointment at any high street optician. Opticians are trained
to recognise common eye problems. They can also provide treatment or refer you to specialist services if needed.
Many high street opticians also offer hearing tests and help with existing hearing aids.
If you care for a family member, partner or friend and would like some advice, information or support contact VOCAL Midlothian:
VOCAL Midlothian run a Wee Breaks service which can help you plan and get funding for a break from caring:
For example if you need a home carer, aid or adaptation, contact: Adult Social Work 0131 271 3900 Children and Families Social Work 0131 271 3860
Provides an overview of all local mental health services
This is an open access service for people who don’t need medication or urgent treatment but might benefit from other therapies or support. Midlothian Wellbeing Access Point currently run drop in sessions at Midlothian Community Hospital and the Loganlea Centre, Penicuik
Provides a wide range support to people across Midlothian
Offers someone to talk to if your feelings are overwhelming you.
Can help you understand your problems better, or just be there to listen. It is not just for people who feel suicidal.
For a full list of advice and support services in Midlothian.
If you are aged 12-21 and you are looking for support or advice about sexual health, mental health or substance use, contact:
Phone appointments
You can make a GP phone appointment instead of attending the GP practice. If you don’t need to be examined, a phone appointment can be quicker and easier. If the doctor feels they need to see you, they will ask you to come in.
If the receptionist asks what is wrong with you, please tell them.
They are asking so they can find the best appointment for you. Reception staff are bound by the same confidentiality rules as doctors and nurses. They are not allowed to tell people outside the practice anything about you.
And if you are unable to attend your GP appointment please phone and cancel – this means that your appointment can be offered to another patient. Around 4% of appointments are wasted as people do not turn up. This means there are hundreds of wasted appointments across Midlothian each month!
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