Choose the Right Service
You may not need a GP appointment. Depending on what you need help with, another NHS service may be able to help you more quickly.
Use the options below to find the right service for your needs.
Request an appointment
You can request an appointment by:
- phoning the practice
- visiting reception
- using Patient Services if you are registered for online services.
Book appointments online with Patient Services
If you are registered for Patient Services, you can book selected face-to-face GP appointments online. We have now added smear test appointments to the Patient Services online appointment booking system, in addition to the GP face‑to‑face appointments already available online.
Please note that smear test appointments should only be booked after you have received your official screening invitation from the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme (SCRRS).
For GP face‑to‑face appointments, please ensure that you clearly state the reason for your appointment in the Reason for Appointment box when booking.
Patient Services can also be used to request repeat prescriptions.
Our reception team may ask you some questions about what you need help with. This helps us arrange the most appropriate appointment or direct you to another member of the healthcare team or NHS service.
You do not have to give detailed personal information if you do not want to. Our reception staff treat the information you give them confidentially. Refer to our consultation guide for help preparing for your appointment.
Checking in for your appointment
You can use the self check-in screen when you arrive for many appointments.
Follow the blue footprints on the surgery floor to the check-in screen and follow the instructions.
After checking in:
- if you are seeing a GP or the practice physiotherapist, take a seat in the main waiting area
- for most other appointments, take a seat in the Community Wing waiting area.
If you are attending for diabetic eye screening, you do not need to use the check-in screen. Please take a seat in the Community Wing waiting area.
If you are unsure where to wait, ask at reception.
Lunchtime closure
The practice is closed between 12:30pm and 1:30pm each weekday.
If you have an urgent medical problem during this time, phone 07517 147 958.
For a life-threatening emergency, phone 999.
Telephone appointments
Telephone appointments are normally allocated the same amount of time as a face-to-face appointment.
Please make sure you are somewhere private and safe where you can speak freely.
If you have several concerns, the healthcare professional may ask you to arrange another appointment so that each issue can be discussed properly.
Please do not take part in a telephone consultation while driving. Stop somewhere safe before continuing the call.
Nursing appointments
Our nursing team provides a range of care and can help with many health needs without you having to see a GP.
When you contact us, our reception team can help arrange an appointment with the appropriate member of the team.
Cancel or change an appointment
Please tell us as soon as possible if you cannot attend your appointment. This allows us to offer it to another patient.
- Should you need to cancel your appointment please provide us with at least 24 hours notice
- Please call the surgery on 0131 537 4407 to cancel an appointment if it is no longer required
If you receive a text message appointment reminder that gives you the option to cancel, follow the instructions in the message.
Hospital Appointments
Our practice staff cannot view, book, or change hospital appointments. Calling us about a hospital appointment uses lines needed for urgent medical care.
What to do instead:
- Check your letter: Call the direct clinic number listed on your hospital appointment letter.
- Lost letter or general enquiry: Call the NHS Lothian Switchboard on 0131 536 1000 and ask for the relevant hospital or department.
Thank you for helping keep our phone lines clear for patients who need GP care.
Your appointment
Depending on what you need help with, your appointment may be with a GP, nurse or another healthcare professional.
Appointments may be offered by telephone or face to face, depending on your needs and the type of care you require.
If you would prefer to see or speak to a particular healthcare professional, please tell us when requesting your appointment. We will try to meet your preference, although this may not always be possible.
If you need additional support
Please tell us when arranging your appointment if you have any communication or accessibility needs.
Interpreter
If you need an interpreter for your appointment, please tell us when you book. We can arrange an interpreter for you.
Where possible, please do not rely on a family member or friend to interpret medical information for you.
Bringing someone with you
You can ask a relative, friend or carer to come to your appointment with you.
There may be occasions when the healthcare professional needs to speak to you privately.
Chaperones
You can ask for a chaperone to be present during an examination.
A healthcare professional may also recommend having a chaperone present for some examinations.
Please tell us if you would like a chaperone.
If you are late
Please arrive in good time for your appointment.
If you are late, we will try to see you, but you may need to wait.
If you are more than 10 minutes late, the healthcare professional may not be able to see you and you may need to arrange another appointment.
Home visits
If you are housebound or too unwell to come to the practice and think you need a home visit, you can help us by calling reception as early as possible on the day.
A healthcare professional will assess what you need and decide the most appropriate way to provide your care.
Please give the reception team as much information as you can so that we can assess your request appropriately.
When the practice is closed
If you need urgent medical help when the practice is closed and your problem cannot wait until we reopen, phone NHS 24 on 111.
NHS 24 will assess your needs and advise you what to do next.
Find out about NHS 24 and the 111 service
In an emergency
Phone 999 for a life-threatening emergency.
This includes situations such as severe difficulty breathing, suspected heart attack, suspected stroke, severe bleeding or loss of consciousness.