Practice updates
Pension credit is the main qualifying benefit for older people to receive the Winter Fuel Payment - are you eligible?
We wish to encourage our patients over state pension age to apply for pension credit. You must apply by 21st December to be able to receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter. Visit the government website link below to check if you are eligible, and to apply.
Midlothian Council Welfare Rights Advice Team can help you to apply. You can phone them on 0131 270 8922
New Digital Support Service for Patients With Low Back Pain
If you have pain in your lower back (including sciatica) you can now self-refer directly to a new digital support service which offers same-day appointments 24/7. The service is delivered by NHS Lothian’s clinical partner, Flok Health.
Read more about the service by clicking on our link below:
Lothian Local Medical Committee Statement September 2024
Lothian Local Medical Committee have updated their statement explaining why GP Practices are now unable to do everything they once were.
You can read the full statement on our website link below. You may wish to share the information with your family and friends and consider contacting your local MSP.
Non-NHS work
Your GP can carry out a limited range of private work, such as completion of insurance forms, and HGV medicals.
Please click on the link below for updated information on services available and prices.
Midlothian Wellbeing Service
If you are living with a long term condition or facing challenging life situations then you can be referred for support from the Midlothian Wellbeing Service
Wellbeing Service Practitioners make use of consulting rooms in our practice for one to one support and coaching. The Wellbeing Service also runs group courses that you can attend in Midlothian. You can read more about the service on our Mental Health Services page - click on the link below.
Advice for Fear of Flying
Following NHS Lothian recommendations, our practice is no longer prescribing Diazepam for fear of flying.
Diazepam 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.
Safer recommendations include attending a fear of flying course, which will help you in the long term. Read more about NHS Lothian advice by clicking on the link below and download the leaflet at the bottom of the page.
Text Messaging Patients
Following a successful trial of texting patients with blood test results, medication review requests and other simple administrative messages such as letting you know when your fit note is ready to collect, we have decided to continue this on a long term basis.
If you only use a landline number we will continue to contact you by phone. Please let us know if you do not wish us to text you. Please do not reply to any text messages you receive; if you have any questions regarding any text you receive, please telephone us.
Lothian Local Medical Committee Statement May 2024
Lothian Local Medical Committee have released a statement explaining why GP Practices are now unable to do everything they once were.
You can read the full statement on our website link below. You may wish to share the information with your family and friends.
Due to increase in demand, prescription processing times have increased
Please ensure you request your prescriptions in good time.
Repeat prescriptions now take five days.
Special requests now take seven days.
Important information for patients considering private surgery
The Scottish Government has provided the following guidance:
Travelling overseas for privately arranged and purchased surgery is not recommended.
There is no obligation for local health boards to provide routine pre and post-operative care.
Our practice is unable to provide you with routine follow up if you choose to have private surgery.
Follow up tests after private treatment have to be arranged privately. You should investigate your options and costing before making your decision regarding surgery.
House Visits
Please telephone the practice by 10am to request house visits.
If you phone later in the day then the doctor will telephone in the first instance. It will not always be possible to arrange a visit that day - the doctor will make an appropriate clinical decision.
Whenever possible, the doctor prefers to examine patients in the surgery as they have access to more equipment, so please consider whether it may be possible for the patient to be brought to the practice - we have a wheelchair that can be used where mobility is an issue.
Reminder - Please book GP appointments for days you are able to attend
While many problems can be dealt with over the phone, sometimes the doctor needs to see you in person and they arrange this on the same day as your phone call.
When you are booking appointments on the day or in advance, please consider whether you would be able to attend the practice that day if the doctor needs to see you. If you won't be able to, please book for a day when you can.
New NHS Lothian Health Screening Website
NHS Lothian provides screening for a variety of conditions:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, Bowel screening, Breast screening, Cervical screening and Diabetic eye screening.
To learn more about what screening involves and why it is recommended, please visit the new Health Screening website.
A friendly reminder regarding prescription requests
Please note that repeat prescription requests take two working days and special prescription requests take up to five working days. These are guidelines and are subject to change in the case of IT problems/sickness/absences.
You should also take into account that your local pharmacy requires time to dispense your prescription - check with them how long they will take.
See the link below for details on ordering your prescription.
NHS24 Online App
NHS24 have created an app that you install on your mobile telephone which allows you to find your nearest services and to assess your symptoms to find out what you should do next.
If you don't have access to a smart phone you can access this information by phoning 111 or visiting www.nhsinform.scot
The Find my Nearest function allows you to locate health and care services within your local area. You will be able to see how far away each service is, if it is open or closed and contact details for the service.
The chatbot functions allows you to get further advice on a variety of topics
NHS Lothian Text Messaging and Online Portal for Patients on Waiting Lists
The services are being rolled out across a range of specialties starting with Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Gynaecology, Colorectal General Surgery, Ear, Nose & Throat, Gastroenterology, General Surgery, Urology, Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery and Rheumatology.
Patients who have been waiting for outpatient appointments will receive a text message from NHS Lothian asking them to log in to an online portal using a unique PIN and their date of birth. Please click on the link below for more details.
Paper prescription requests now accepted - telephone requests withdrawn other than for frail, elderly or housebound patients
You may now post your prescription request form through the letterbox at our reception desk, or post your request via Royal Mail to Strathesk Medical Practice, 109/111 High Street, Bonnyrigg, EH19 2ET.
In order to keep our phone lines as free as possible for patients requiring medical assistance, we now only accept telephone requests for prescriptions from frail, elderly or housebound patients. Please call after 10am if you are eligible.
Please visit or follow Strathesk Medical Practice Facebook page for news and updates.
You do not need to be a member of Facebook to view our posts.