Every year, millions of people visit the Lothian region, drawn by the splendor of the festival city of Edinburgh and the surrounding towns, hills, countryside and coastline rich in natural beauty and history.
The region – comprising Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian and West Lothian – is full of areas of exceptional natural beauty and sites of historical interest.
Given the large numbers of visitors, it’s no surprise that some fall ill during their stay. If you become unwell, it’s important to know who to turn to for medical advice or attention when you’re away from home. The information below aims to guide you to the most appropriate healthcare service:
Emergency care
Emergency care is always free at the point of use. For temporary residents from around the world, if you access any of our services we will treat you first and then sort things out later – you won’t be denied urgent care. If at any time you think you need an emergency ambulance for a life-threatening condition, call 999.
Emergency dental treatment
For information on emergency dental care, visit:
www.nhsinform.scot/care-support-and-rights/nhs-services/dental/dental-emergencies
Local pharmacies
Pharmacies will provide you with help and advice on common health problems, minor ailments and questions about medicines.
If you are from the United Kingdom and run out of repeat medication, a pharmacy may be able to help you get a prescription from your own GP practice or an emergency supply. If you are visiting the United Kingdom from Europe, the pharmacy may also be able to help you obtain an emergency supply of repeat medication.
Local pharmacies can also provide emergency contraception for patients who are registered with a GP in the United Kingdom.
Treatment for some uncomplicated urine infections in women can be accessed from local pharmacies. This service is available only to women between the ages of 16 and 64 who are registered with a GP practice in the United Kingdom.
To find the pharmacy nearest to you and for more self-help advice, go to
www.nhsinform.scot/scotlands-service-directory/pharmacies?hb=s08000024&sortdir=Asc
Minor Ailment Service at Community Pharmacies
Everyone can go to their pharmacist for advice or to buy a medicine for a minor illness or ailment. But if you are eligible to register with the NHS Minor Ailment Service, you will be able to get advice and free treatment (if the pharmacist thinks you need it) from your pharmacist for a wide range of minor illnesses and conditions.
For more details, go to https://services.nhslothian.scot/rightcare/
Minor Injuries Clinic
For minor injuries (minor cuts / burns, wound infections, sprains and small bone breaks (from shoulder to fingers and knees to toes), go to the Minor Injuries Clinic at the Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh. Please note: the nearest entrance to the clinic is from Porterfield Road.
If you want to check if your injury is suitable for treatment at the clinic, phone ahead on 0131 537 3481. The clinic is staffed by specialist nurse, paramedic and physiotherapy practitioners, who provide treatment for adults and children over one year. It is open every day from 8am – 9pm (last patient book-in: 8.30pm). No appointment necessary.
More information on the Minor Injuries Clinic is on the NHS Lothian website at
https://services.nhslothian.scot/rightcare/minor-injuries-unit/
Sexual Health Services
The Chalmers Centre provides care and advice on sexual health issues, including emergency contraception. For appointments and advice, call 0131 536 1070 or visit www.lothiansexualhealth.scot.nhs.uk for more information. For walk-ins, you can attend the Centre between 8:30am and 10am.
NHS inform
For advice on common health problems, see the NHS inform website at www.nhsinform.scot
GP surgeries
If you are acutely ill and need contact with a General Practitioner (GP/family doctor) that day, you should first phone a local GP practice.To find the GP practice nearest you, go to
www.nhsinform.scot/scotlands-service-directory/gp-practices?hb=s08000024&la
Healthcare at night and weekends
For healthcare advice between 6pm and 8am and at weekends, please call NHS 24 on 111. NHS 24 will provide assessment and, if further care is necessary, will direct you to the most appropriate local healthcare service.
For more information on NHS 24’s 111 service, see the NHS 24 website at:
www.nhs24.scot/introduction-to-the-111-service
Hospital Emergency Departments
NHS Lothian has hospital Emergency Departments at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, St John’s Hospital, Livingston and the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh.
These services are for urgent and emergency situations only. Please help to keep our emergency departments free for those who really need their help and ask yourself: “Do I really need emergency treatment?”
For more details on emergency departments and emergency situations, see our website at: www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/Services/Emergencies/EmergencyDepartmentsAE/Pages/default.aspx
If at any time you think you need an emergency ambulance for a life-threatening condition, call 999.
Urgent mental health support
The following are some useful phone numbers to keep a note of if you need support with your mental health:
- NHS 24 – 111
- Breathing Space helpline – 0800 838 587
- Concerned about or having thoughts of suicide? Please visit www.nhsinform.scot/surviving-suicidal-thoughts or call Samaritans on 116 123
- Edinburgh Crisis Centre – 0808 801 0414.
Public Transport
Car parking spaces are limited at our hospital sites. There are excellent public transport links to our hospitals, with Edinburgh and the rest of the Lothian region (Midlothian, West Lothian and East Lothian) well-served by a network of buses.
There are also a number of dedicated cycle paths offering safer, traffic-free routes for cyclists.
Links to bus/tram, train and cycle websites are on our website at
www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/GoingToHospital/Travel/Pages/PublicTransport.aspx
