A GP led walk-in clinic is available at the Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre.
This is a pilot service run by NHS Lothian and Edinburgh Health & Social Care Partnership.
It is the first in a network of 15 GP walk in services being funded by the Scottish Government to improve access to primary care.
Who can use the service?
At this time, the service is only available to patients registered with a group of local GP practices in southwest Edinburgh that regularly work together, including:
- 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
Access is being limited initially to ensure the service is safe and effective for patients and staff, but patient demand will be regularly reviewed.
Please note: the walk-in clinic is not suitable for pregnant patients, or children under 5. They should continue to consult their usual GP or other health professional.
How the service works
Eligible patients can use the walk-in clinic if they have an urgent health concern and cannot attend their usual GP practice.
It is open every day from 12 noon to 8pm – no appointment needed.
Depending on clinical need, you may see a GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
Physiotherapy services will also be available in the future.
You can use this service for things like:
- New pain, rashes or fever
- New coughs, throat, ear or chest infections
- Urgent bladder or urine problems
- Urgent women’s health issues (e.g. period problems, vaginal infections)
- Urgent skin conditions (e.g. infections, eczema)
- New stomach problems
- New muscle, joint or back pain
This service is not for:
- Medical emergencies (e.g. chest pain, severe bleeding or severe breathing difficulties – call 999)
- Minor injuries (e.g. sprains, minor burns – call 111)
- Long-term or pre-diagnosed conditions
- Repeat prescriptions or medicines reviews
- Routine sexual health checks
- Sick notes (fit notes)
- Travel vaccinations
If you attend with a condition that is not urgent or is better treated elsewhere, staff will redirect you to the most appropriate service.
Get the right care in the right place
You can often get help more quickly by:
- Visiting NHSinform.scot for online advice on minor ailments and local services
- Going to your local pharmacy first for minor illnesses
- Calling your dentist for dental problems and optician for eye problems
- Contacting your GP practice for routine or urgent care during normal opening hours
- Calling 111, day or night, for minor injuries and out-of-hours advice
- Calling 999 or attending A&E in a critical emergency
More information is available at right care, right place.
