Updates

Festive Pharmacy Opening Hours

To help ensure you can access pharmacy services over the holidays, please see the opening hours of local pharmacies and a selection of non-local pharmacies for key festive dates.

This information is available:

• On this website
• On our Facebook page
• In reception

Please check the opening hours in advance to plan for any prescriptions or pharmacy needs during this time.

Ordering Prescriptions for the Festive Period

As the festive season approaches, we all get caught up in the hustle and bustle of preparing for celebrations. However, it's important to take a moment to plan ahead when it comes to your regular prescriptions. To ensure you have everything you need over the holiday period, here are some key tips for ordering your medication:

Surgery Closures

Please note that Eastfield Medical Practice will be closed on the following days:

• Monday, 25th December
• Tuesday, 26th December
• Monday, 1st January
• Tuesday, 2nd January

Make sure to factor these dates into your prescription planning to avoid running out of essential medication.

Allow Extra Time

The festive season can be a busy time for everyone, including the surgery and local pharmacies. To avoid any last-minute stress, we recommend allowing the following timeframes for your prescriptions:

• Collecting from the surgery: Please allow at least 72 hours (3 working days) for us to process your prescription.
• Collecting from a pharmacy: Allow 5–7 working days to ensure your medication is ready on time.

Remember, weekends, bank holidays, and our closures can affect processing times, so plan accordingly.

How to Order Your Prescription

We offer two simple ways to request your repeat prescriptions:

1. Online – If you're registered for our online services, you can order your prescription quickly and conveniently from the comfort of your home. Not registered yet? Contact our reception team to get started.
2. In Person – Pop your repeat slip into the surgery's prescription box, and we'll take care of the rest.

Avoid Stockpiling

While it's essential to ensure you have enough medication for the holiday period, we kindly ask that you only order what you need.

Need Assistance?

If you’re unsure about when or how to order your medication, our team is here to help. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us before the festive rush sets in.

By planning ahead, you can enjoy a stress-free holiday season, knowing your health needs are taken care of. Thank you for your cooperation, and from all of us at Eastfield Medical Practice, we wish you a happy and healthy festive season!

Our Telephone System: A Success Story!

A few months ago, we introduced a new telephone system at Eastfield Medical Practice to make it easier and faster for you to get the help you need. Since its launch, the system has proven highly effective, allowing us to answer 93% of calls within 30 seconds—a significant improvement in service. Thank you for adapting to the system and helping us make it a success!

Why the System Works

The phone menu was designed to streamline call handling by directing your queries to the right person at the right time. Sticking to the recommended times and using the correct options has played a crucial role in improving our response times. Here’s a reminder of how to make the most of the system:

Emergency Period: 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

• Cancellations for on-the-day appointments: You can cancel a same-day appointment during this time.
• Medical emergencies: Always dial 999 immediately.
• Urgent issues: Remain on the line to speak with a receptionist for urgent queries that cannot wait.

Appointments: After 8:30 AM

Press 1 for appointments.

• Bookings for routine or urgent appointments open at 8:30 AM. Calling early gives you the best chance of securing a same-day slot.
• Remember, for minor conditions like sore throats, indigestion, or skin issues, Pharmacy First Scotland offers free prescriptions and quick service.

Results: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Press 2 for results.

• Results are available exclusively during these hours. Calling outside these times means we won’t be able to help, so please call back between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

Prescriptions: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Press 3 for prescriptions.

• Telephone orders are available only for housebound patients.
• For all others, please order online or submit your repeat slips at reception.
• Processing times remain:
  • Surgery pickup: 72 hours.
  • Local pharmacy pickup: 5–7 days.

General Enquiries: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Press 4 for general enquiries.
Use this option for:

• Non-urgent questions or guidance

For vaccination-related queries, contact NHS Scotland at 0300 790 6296, as vaccinations are not handled by the practice.

Why It Matters

By sticking to these times and using the phone menu correctly:

• We can prioritize urgent queries during busy periods.
• Non-urgent questions are handled during quieter hours, minimizing wait times.
• This ensures faster, more effective service for all patients.

Help Us Improve Even More

The system is here to serve you better. If you’ve experienced the benefits, let us know! And if you think there’s room for improvement, we’re always listening.

As always, our website is available for answers to common questions, and NHS Inform offers great self-help resources for a variety of conditions.

Thank you for working with us to keep Eastfield Medical Practice running smoothly! Together, we’re making a difference.

Call Recording Policy

Prostate Cancer Awareness

Recent news coverage about prostate cancer has brought this important health issue to the forefront of many people's minds. We understand that such information can raise concerns and prompt questions about your own health. At Eastfield Medical Practice, we are committed to providing you with accurate information and supportive care.

For more information about prostate cancer, please visit the Prostate Cancer UK website at www.prostatecanceruk.org. They offer comprehensive resources and support for anyone seeking to learn more about prostate health.

If you have any concerns after reviewing this information, please book a face-to-face appointment with one of our GPs. We are here to address your questions and provide personalised care.

Flu Vaccine

If you’re eligible, you’ll receive a letter, SMS or email with appointment details or information about how to book one. Please wait to be contacted.

All enquiries related to immunisations, including appointments, should be to the NHS Lothian Vaccination Helpline on: 0300 790 6296.  Our receptionists in the practice are unable to arrange or reschedule any appointments for the immunisation programme.

For more information about the flu vaccine and who is eligible visit nhsinform.scot/flu

Letters from NHS Lothian sent electronically

NHS Lothian are moving over to sending letters electronically meaning you can view your administration letters on your mobile phone, tablet or computer.

Across NHS Lothian we send a high volume of letters by post each month.  To help us reach patients quicker, reduce costs and reduce the environmental impact, we are moving to sending our administration letters electronically where possible.  By administration letters, we mean letters such as Outpatient appointment letters, Cancellation letters, Add to Waiting List or Re-scheduled appointments etc.

If you have a mobile phone then you don’t need to wait for your administration letter to arrive in the post anymore as you will receive notification to view your letter at the click of a button via our online portal.

Don’t worry about missing a letter as if you don’t open the electronic letter- within 48 hours a hard copy paper version will be sent to you by post. If you don’t have a mobile phone, or you’ve not given us your mobile number, you will continue to receive paper letters in the post.

Benefits

With electronic letters you can:

• Change the text size of your letter, zoom in or out
• Have the letter read out to you
• Change the letter to another language
• Download the letter to your device (phone, tablet, laptop, computer), securely email it to yourself or someone else or print it if desired
• Automatically add the date of your appointment/admission to your phone’s calendar at the click of a button
• Save the printing and postage costs for NHS Lothian, which is also better for the environment as well

What happens when you receive the text message?

1. You will receive a text message to your mobile phone with an invitation to view your letter – it will come from ‘NHS Lothian ‘ and say ‘
   This is an important digital letter from NHS Lothian with information about your care. Please log in to the following link with PIN xxxx and your Date of Birth on your smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC. Thank you [——–PortalLink——–]
2. When you enter the Patient Portal, put in your date of birth and unique four-digit PIN from the text message. This will take you to your letter.
3. You can download the letter and/or add the appointment/admission to your own calendar. It’s quick, easy, safe and secure and should the digital letter not be opened within 48 hours the system will automatically print and post a copy out to your address.

How do I know the message is genuine and from you?