Carers Information
Useful information and links for unpaid carers.
Are You a Carer?
If you are then please email us to let us know - we may be able to help you.
Sharing Medical Information
If you are responsible for helping to look after the healthcare for the person you care for, e.g. telephoning for results, discussing symptoms with their GP, then the person you care for may find it helpful to provide the surgery with consent to share their medical information with you. They can do so by filling in a Consent to Share Information Form - you can download this from the link at the bottom of this page. We can only share medical information with carers if we have the consent of the person you care for.
If you hold guardianship or power of attorney for the person you care for and they are a patient at our practice then please post a copy of the document stating this to our practice.
Carers support groups
VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian) provide carer event and training programmes.
You can book your place on courses and events provided by VOCAL by visiting the Carer Events and Training website.
Assistance for Unpaid Carers
The last few months have brought many challenges, not least for unpaid carers, many of whom have been unable to access any means of a break from caring, in any shape or form. Wee Breaks in Midlothian is open for applications and can assist any unpaid carer who is providing support for someone who lives in Midlothian.
Useful contact numbers for carers
Social Work Emergency Service:
Edinburgh, East and Midlothian: 0800 731 6969
West Lothian: 01506 281028/9
NHS 24: Non-emergencies dial 111 (or contact GP).
Police Scotland: Non-emergencies dial 101.
For emergencies (ambulance, fire and police): dial 999.
Accident and Emergency Departments (A&Es):
Aged 13 & over Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh: 0131 536 1000
Under 13 years Royal Hospital for Sick Children: 0131 536 0000
All ages A&E Department, St John’s Hospital, Livingston: 01506 532000
Samaritans: 116 123 (free to call from mobile & landline)
Domestic Abuse Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87
Edinburgh Crisis Centre (mental health): 0808 801 0414
Psychiatric Emergency Team: 0131 537 6000
Antisocial Behaviour Helpline: 0131 529 7050
If you smell Gas: 0800 111 999
Water supply emergencies: 0845 600 8855
Electricity power cuts:
Scottish Hydro: 0800 300 999
SP Energy Networks: 0800 092 9290 (landline) 0330 1010 222 (mobile)
Consent to Share Information Form
If the person you care for wishes to allow their medical information to be shared with you, please ask them to complete this form and then email it to prescription.s77248@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk or post it to Strathesk Medical Practice, 109/111 High Street, Bonnyrigg, EH19 2ET