Travel Services - We no longer have a Travel Clinic
Travel services are not part of the remit of General Practice but it is important to travel safely. We have put together information here for patients who are planning trips abroad.
It is important to check whether you need vaccinations or other medications such as malaria tablets in advance of travelling overseas - we recommend looking into this at least eight weeks in advance. NHS Scotland and Public Health Scotland have created a website with all of the information you need :
https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home
There are lots of private travel clinics available in Edinburgh and Lothians. You can also book an appointment at the NHS Travel Clinic at the Western General Hospital:
https://services.nhslothian.scot/travelclinics/travel-clinic-hub/
If you are a nervous flyer, you may have been prescribed Diazepam by your GP to help in the past. However this type of medication is not recommended for treating phobias, and this type of medication has additional risks due to the sedative side effects. It may even be illegal in the country you travel to. Following NHS Lothian recommendations, our practice therefore no longer prescribes Diazepam for fear of flying. Safer recommendations include attending a fear of flying course, which will help you in the long term.
Please read more about the reasons behind not prescribing Diazepam and about other help you can access by downloading the leaflet at the bottom of this page called Benzodiazepines (and Related Medications) for flying.
Benzodiazepines (and Related Medications) for flying
Click here to download the leaflet