Right Care Right Place: guidance
This time of year puts more pressure on our health and social care services, but we can all help by getting the care we need in the right place. This guide helps explain which NHS service to use for different health concerns, and how to look after your health and the people you care for.
General Practice
What this service is for
General Practices are open and available for your health and wellbeing needs but are continuing to work differently due to COVID-19.
How to access the service
General Practices are very busy, so before deciding to contact your practice, please think whether you can manage your problem yourself, or first get advice from NHSinform.scot, or from your local pharmacy.
To request an appointment, please call the practice in the first instance or, if available, make an online enquiry. Please only visit if you have an appointment, or if you have no other way of contacting them.
Your General Practitioner may not be the most appropriate person to help you, depending on your health needs. Many different professionals can work in General Practice, such as practice nurses, mental health nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other experts. When you call, staff will ask you for some general information about your needs. This will be treated in the strictest confidence and will help direct you to the most appropriate expert in the team. You may be offered a face-to-face, telephone or video consultation, as clinically appropriate.
If you have an urgent problem when your General Practice is closed and you feel it can't wait until the practice reopens, you can access out of hours General Practice services by calling NHS 24 on 111.
Routine Appointments
If you are invited to a routine appointment such as a screening service, it is important that you attend. Detecting cancer early can improve outcomes so if you have any symptoms of concern, contact your General Practice as soon as possible.
Registering with a General Practice
If you are not yet registered with a local General Practice, it is important that you do so. Visit www.NHSinform.scot/care-support-and-rights to find your nearest practice and to download the registration form.
Contact
Email: sgmarketing@gov.scot
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