Urgent Medical Problems “Out of Hours”

In the event of a life-threatening emergency, telephone 999 for an ambulance.

The out-of-hours service operates on weekdays from 6.00pm to midnight and at weekends from 6.00pm Friday until 8.00 am Monday. If a medical problem arises between these times and you feel it is not safe to wait until normal hours, you should telephone the usual practice number on 0131 536 8910. Have a pen ready as the answer-phone will give you the NHS24 number. For security reasons, and to ensure that your problem is dealt with appropriately, you must always telephone NHS24 before attending. All telephone calls to the service are recorded.

If you need to see a doctor or nurse the NHS24 advisor will arrange an appointment with the out-of-hours service (Lothian Unscheduled Care Service or LUCS). LUCS is located within the old health centre and is staffed by doctors from various practices in the locality, including doctors from this practice, and specially trained nurses. From midnight until 8.00am LUCS is provided from the New Royal Infirmary at Little France.

NHS 24

NHS 24 is Scotland’s telephone health advice and information service. To speak to one of their nurse advisors or health information advisors you can phone NHS 24 on 0845 4 24 24 24. The web address is www.nhs24.com.