Whether you are visiting Scotland on holiday or are travelling for work, no-one plans on seeing the doctor when they are a long way from home. But if you do need to see a doctor, Edinburgh GP provides fast access to exceptional primary healthcare here in our capital city.
If you are feeling unwell or require a prescription then in the UK you would normally first see a primary care doctor (GP) who can treat all common medical conditions. In the UK these specialists in general medicine are known as GP’s (in other countries they may be known as family physicians). GP’s have very broad ranging skill sets that cover most areas of medicine. In the UK referrals to specialist clinics or doctors mostly need to come through a GP rather than direct self-referrals. In reality GP’s can handle most issues competently without a need for onward referral.
Seeing a doctor at Edinburgh GP
Edinburgh GP provide fast access to exceptional primary healthcare, indeed same day appointments, with one of our highly experienced private doctors. All you need to do is complete a registration form with your medical history and book in for an appointment. We do work with some insurance providers directly, but most need you to pay then claim it back. If that is the case, we are happy to provide you with a receipt and report if required.
Consultations with our doctors are tailored around you and your individual needs. We want the overall experience of visiting the doctor to be as comfortable, welcoming and easy as possible for you. Our large, spacious clinic is located on the corner of Randolph Place in Edinburgh’s West end, where your doctor will see you in our state-of-the-art consultation rooms, we also have specialist treatment rooms within the clinic too. Or if you prefer, we can arrange to see you at your hotel or accommodation base within Edinburgh.
So, if you are visiting our lovely city, and we mean this in the nicest possible way, we genuinely hope that you don’t have to see us! But if you do feel unwell, perhaps you need a prescription for medication or require some minor injury treatment, then you are in very good hands at Edinburgh GP. As with all our patients, it is our priority to give you care when you need it, with little or no waiting times. Especially important when you are a long way from home.
For same day appointments, book online through our website or phone our helpful team on 0131 2025454
What are your other options?
Here are other options in Edinburgh within the NHS.
The NHS is our invaluable healthcare system, but waiting times for a primary care appointment can be long. Some services, like our A&E service are free to everyone, but other non-emergency services such as GP appointments may incur fees. As a visitor, you may have to pay for any health care you receive while you are here, and it is vital that you get travel insurance with medical cover before your trip. If you live in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you will not have to pay for treatment that is necessary while you are here. You must get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in your own country before your trip and you may need to show your EHIC card to NHS staff. If you do not live in the EEA or Switzerland, you may be able to get NHS care when you visit Scotland, the UK has special arrangements with some countries and territories outside the EEA. You should ask the health service in your own country about this.
- NHS in hours GP services: Most surgeries will see tourists but are not obliged to and may charge a fee for this service. Search for your nearest GP practice and phone them to see if you can be fitted in. NHS in hours surgeries are from 0800 to 1800 Monday to Fridays. In hours surgeries are mostly over subscribed and are likely not to have the capacity to see you but it may be worth a try.
- NHS A&E (or emergency rooms, ED). This is for emergencies and serious illness or injuries. You can self-present to A&E adults or children at the Royal Infirmary, EH16 4SA or call an ambulance on 999 if seriously unwell. Waiting times can be VERY long in A&E only go here if you are seriously unwell.
- NHS Out of Hours GP service 1800 to 0800 Monday to Friday and 24/7 at the weekends. This service is really good but often very busy and it can take a while to get through the phone booking service and finally see a doctor or other health practitioner. Phone 111 and go through the motions.
- NHS Minor Injuries. This service is for TRAUMATIC injuries only that have occurred within the last 7 days and is a good alternative to long waits in A&E if the injury is relatively minor like a small cut, small burn, sprained ankle or possible small fracture. Phone 111 and go through the motions for an appointment time. Service is open 0800 to 2300 every day.
Important NOTE: if you experience a medical emergency which requires an ambulance, you should dial 999. Paramedics will give any appropriate treatment then proceed to the nearest NHS (National Health Service) hospital. And if you have a medical emergency which requires emergency treatment you can also go to a hospital accident and emergency department (A&E) without an ambulance.