News & Updates

Closed

The practice will be closed from 12:30pm on Wednesday 30th April for staff training


Published on 28th Apr 2025

BMA

Why patients are struggling to get a GP appointment

When you are unwell or need support managing a condition, we know that you want an appointment with a GP or member of the practice team as quickly as possible and with a minimum of fuss. But, too often, that is something that practices struggle to provide.
If it often feels like you are in competition with hundreds of other people to get through to us and secure an appointment, then that is because it is quite literally true. We absolutely appreciate that this is hugely frustrating at times, but practices and all our staff are working as hard as we can. We simply do not have the resources, or sufficient GPs to do all that is asked of us. And the explanation for that is the failure of the Scottish Government to invest in and recruit and retain the GPs you – and Scotland need.

While the number of NHS consultants working in Scotland has increased by 30% in the past 12 years as the health needs of the population have increased, the number of GPs has fallen by 6%. In that time the number of patients registered with a GP has increased by nearly 9%. As a result of this, while there was one GP for every 1,515 patients in 2013 there is now only one GP for every 1,735 patients. Simply put, there are not enough GPs to provide the level of access to General Practice that patients were previously able to benefit from.
Worse than that, despite the big increases in hospital staff numbers, patients are waiting longer than ever for treatment and therefore need more GP appointments and support while they are waiting. Despite General Practice in Scotland providing over 650,000 appointments every week, it is simply not enough to meet demand.

Poor access to General Practice is frustrating for GPs who want to deliver the best possible service and it is frustrating for patients who feel they are struggling to be seen when they need it. The majority of Scotland's 898 General Practices are run as independent businesses. They are mainly funded with a fixed income, no matter how much work is asked of them to look after the local community. With that fixed pot they must pay for all their staff, upkeep their buildings and meet all their running costs. General Practice is recognised as being the most efficient part of the NHS in the UK, but a lack of sufficient investment has resulted in where we are today. Ultimately this is a result of funding decisions taken by Scotland’s politicians and will only truly be addressed with sufficient investment directly into General Practice.

In 2008, the NHS spent around 11% of its whole budget on General Practice. Today, that figure is less than 6.5%.
Practices have also faced significant additional financial turbulence in recent years, and the recent increase to Employer National Insurance Contributions as a result of the 2024 budget at Westminster will add further bills of tens of thousands of pounds to every practice. Without funding from Government to meet this cost, the only choice that many practices will have, is to cut services further. This means fewer doctors and nurses to care for you and a smaller reception team to answer your calls and help guide you.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗦𝗣: 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗣 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲

“The problems in General Practice can be fixed, but it requires a commitment from politicians of all parties to rebalance investment in the NHS so that General Practice receives a proportion of funding in line with the way things used to be.

With proper investment, we can radically improve your ability to see a GP or member of our team and can do so much more to deliver high quality health services in our local community. We want, like you do, to see GP delivered care with continuity and quality at the heart. Free healthcare for all cannot exist without an efficient and functioning General Practice. Help us protect the core principles of the NHS.
If you want to see that protection and want to improve our services, please consider taking the time to contact your MSPs and make clear that you believe more investment needs to go to General Practice as a priority. By working together we can look to a healthier future.

Published on 25th Apr 2025

Physiotherapy at the Practice: Meet Our Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner

If you’re experiencing muscle, bone, or joint problems, you don’t need to wait to see a GP. Every GP practice in Midlothian has an Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner who can help. Here at our practice, our Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner, Naomi Williams, is ready to assess and diagnose musculoskeletal conditions, provide targeted exercises, and discuss the best management options with you.

What Can an Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner Help With?

  • Muscle, Bone, or Joint Pain
    Whether it’s a sports injury, a flare-up of chronic pain, or general aches and stiffness, an APP can provide immediate support.

  • Back Pain / Sciatica
    From posture advice to exercises that alleviate nerve pressure, physiotherapy can offer significant relief.

  • Neck Pain / Whiplash
    Tailored rehabilitation plans help restore mobility and reduce discomfort in the neck and upper spine.

  • Joint Pain & Stiffness
    Common areas include knees, shoulders, wrists, and hands, as well as conditions like osteoarthritis.

  • Muscle or Tendon Pain
    Examples include tennis elbow and Achilles tendon issues.

  • Sprains or Strains
    Early intervention can speed recovery and help prevent recurring injuries.

  • Weakness After Injury or Surgery
    A personalized exercise program can assist in rebuilding strength and confidence.

  • Loss of Confidence with Movement and Physical Activity
    Gradual, guided progression can help you return to the activities you love.

How It Works

  1. Arrange an Appointment
    You can phone the practice directly to book an appointment with our Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner. Naomi will conduct an assessment and discuss a suitable treatment plan.

  2. Further Treatment or Referral
    If needed, Naomi can refer you for ongoing physiotherapy, pain management, X-rays, or specialist opinions.

  3. Formal Physiotherapy Referral
    For a formal referral to the Physiotherapy Department, please see a GP as part of a routine appointment.

Watch Our Video

To learn more about what an Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner does and how they can help you, check out the short video on our website. We’re committed to providing you with the best possible care and treatment options to support your health and wellbeing.

Ready to Get Started?
Call our reception team to book an appointment with Naomi Williams, our Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner. Whether it’s for pain relief, rehabilitation, or simply getting back to normal activities, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners in General Practice – Physiotherapy


Published on 27th Feb 2025

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

To ensure high-quality care and maintain accurate records, we record all incoming and outgoing telephone calls at Eastfield Medical Practice. This policy is in place to:

  • Monitor and improve the quality of our service.
  • Ensure patient and staff safety.
  • Accurately document conversations for training and audit purposes.

Your Privacy

We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. For further details, please review our full Privacy Policy.

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding our call recording policy, please contact the Practice Manager at Eastfield Medical Practice, Eastfield Farm Road, Penicuik.


Published on 21st Nov 2024

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.


Published on 14th Nov 2024

Flu

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


Published on 8th Sep 2024

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?

The patient notification message will come from ‘NHS Lothian’ rather than a number.  You will be asked to use your date of birth and the PIN we have sent you.  We would not ask you for any other personal details.  Should the digital letter not be opened within 48 hours the system will automatically print and post a copy out to your address.


Published on 6th Sep 2024