NHS Lothian welcomed the First Minister, John Swinney MSP, to officially open Scotland’s first GP led walk-in clinic at the Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre on Wednesday 11 February.
Delivered in partnership by NHS Lothian and the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, it offers patients registered with eight southwest Edinburgh GP practices access to urgent primary care from 12 noon to 8pm.
During his visit, the First Minister met staff involved in setting up the new service and visited other services within the building.
Professor John Connaghan, Chair of NHS Lothian, invited the First Minister to officially open the new clinic by unveiling a commemorative plaque.
Speaking ahead of the opening, Mr Swinney said:
“I know how important access to urgent medical care is for people, and how important it is for people to get the right care, in the right place at the right time.
“Our network of walk-in GP-led services will ensure people get the care they need at a time that works for them – and opening this first clinic is a major milestone as we continue to deliver trusted leadership for our health service.”
Tracey McKigen, Director of Primary Care for NHS Lothian, added:
“We are proud to be piloting this new service and want to thank everyone involved in planning, preparing and staffing the clinic for their incredibly hard work. It is their amazing teamwork and dedication which has made the opening and the first few days a real success.”
At this time, the walk-in clinic is available to patients registered with any of the following GP practices:
- Gilmore Medical Practice
- Leven Medical Practice
- Sighthill Green Medical Practice
- Sighthill Red Medical Practice
- Slateford Medical Practice
- Springwell Medical Practice
- Whinpark Medical Practice
- Wester Hailes Medical Practice
They can use the clinic if they cannot get an appointment as usual with their normal GP. It is suitable, for urgent health needs such as new pain, rash, fever or infections. It is not suitable for managing long-term conditions, medicines review or pregnant patients and children under 5.
Depending on clinical need, they may see a GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner. Physiotherapy will also be available in the future.
More information about the new service is available at walk-in clinic or you can read the Scottish Government announcement on its news page.
