Portobello surgery
Tel.: 0131 669 8406

Conan Doyle Medical Center
Tel.: 0131 666 5160

News and important information

Book an appointment

We distribute on the day appointment at 8:00 AM for the morning surgery or at 13:00 PM for the afternoon surgery..

Before you call the surgery please follow our Signposting Guide to get the best service!

The surgery is open from 8.00 am – 6.00 pm  Monday to Friday. We are closed at weekends and most Bank Holidays. When we are closed contact NHS 24 on  111.

Our surgery provide extended hours services. Specific nurses and phlebotomist can see you at the early hours between 7:30 and 8:00 depending on availability. If you need an extended hour appointment please get in touch with us and ask how we can help you.

GPs are operating on a telephone consultation service in the first instance – this is a good opportunity for the GP to assess the patient over the phone and obtain as much information as possible – however please be assured that if the doctor feels he/she needs to see you they will bring you down to the surgery.   Our access appointments system for GPs is excellent and we appreciate your patience with our hardworking reception staff.    If you wish to speak to the GP you can  do so by telephoning our reception team at the surgery – DO NOT email through our clinical mailbox for an appointment as we cannot process your request this way. 

Please continue to ensure our reception team have up to date contact details for you and a brief description on why you want to speak  to the GP is always helpful.

Our practice list is now open to registrations for patients who reside within our catchment area.

We continue to operate a sign posting system to ensure you get the care you require from the correct health professional.   This  signpost guide is available below for your information in the first instance.  

Signpost Guide

Pharmacy Services

Visit your local pharmacy for the following services

  • Coughs and Colds, Pain relief
  • Sore throat and earache for less than 3 days
  • Conjunctivitis for those aged over 1 year
  • Verrucas, Mouth ulcers, Colds sores
  • Constipation, Piles
  • Dry skin, Nappy rash, Small patches of impetigo
  • Abrasions, bruises, insect bites and sunburn
  • Head lice
  • Emergency contraception
  • Minor ailments Service and Pharmacy 1st Service (UTI). This service is for any female over the age of 16 years old who is not pregnant.
  • Thrush

Optician

All eye conditions should be seen by an Optician first for their expertise. They also have the correct equipment for eye examinations. You can see an Optician for dry, red, sore, watery, sticky or itchy eyes, cysts and styes or conjunctivitis. Please phone the Optician in the first instance for opening times and appointment availability.

Dentist

Any condition involving your mouth or teeth. If you are not registered with a dentist, call Chalmers Dental Centre on 0131 537 8801 or 0131 537 8802, Monday –Friday 09:00 – 18:00. For more information visit: Chalmers Emergency Dental Care

CTAC – 0300 790 6296

  • Wound care / Basic and Complex
  • Suture and Clip removal
  • Ear irrigation and pre audiology appointment checks
  • Unscheduled Vaccinations

Nurse

  • Asthma, COPD
  • Chronic Disease Management
  • Atrial Fibrillation
  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Hypertension
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney Disease
  • Contraception
  • Cervical Screening

Health Visitor

Children’s problems including: breast feeding, formula feeding, sleeping, minor illness, immunization questions phone
Portobello 0131 467 7007, Conan Doyle 0131 666 5175.

Maternity Services – NHS Lothian

Midwife / Pregnant

  • If you are pregnant there is no need to see your GP. You can book directly with the
    Midwifery Service by calling  0131 536 2009
  • If you have an unplanned pregnancy you can self-refer by calling 0131 536 2454

Physiotherapy

For people experiencing muscle, back or joint problems, including Physiotherapy. Forms and referral criteria can be found at MSK Services | NHS Physiotherapy Self Referral form available to download or at the surgery. For Physiotherapy advice please visit NHS Self Help Resources

Podiatry

Minor Injuries

Strains, sprains and suspected broken bones, wounds and burns, musculo-skeletal conditions. Call MIA on 111 to get a scheduled appointment. For more information please visit Minor Injuries Unit – Right Care Right Place (nhslothian.scot)

Mental Health

For mental health help please read our mental health guide to find further information

Out-Patient Appointments

For any queries about your hospital Out-Patient Appointment you should first contact:

Royal infirmary: 0131 536 1000 | Western General: 0131 537 1000 | Lauriston Buildings (for ENT and Dermatology) 0131 536 1000

Pain Concern – To improve the lives of people living with pain

What is the Pain Education Session? The Pain Education Session is for anyone who has had pain for more than
12 weeks. The session will give you a better understanding of your pain to help you manage your condition more effectively in the long term. You can read more on Pain Concern Guide (pdf)

Call/text 07421 125 638
Email pain-education@painconcern.org.uk
https://painconcern.org.uk/

What does it involve? We cover the following topics:

  • Understanding pain
  • Sleep
  • Managing your activity
  • Managing flare-ups
  • Managing stress

Public holidays for this year when our practice is closed are listed below

Monday 15/09/2025

Thursday 25/12/2025

Friday 26/12/2025

       

We will continue to update you as we move forward this year  – our team are available between 8am and 6pm and Out of Hours for after 6pm weekdays or at weekends if you cannot wait for your GP can be contacted on 111

Many thanks

Training Practice

The practice recognises the importance of medical education both within the team and to those undergoing training programs. These will be our doctors and primary health care workers of the future. For many years we have been committed to this and have reached and maintained the high standards set down for training practices. We always have a number of qualified doctors working at the practice undergoing further training to be General Practitioners and also other medical specialties. We are grateful to our patients for understanding the importance of and supporting us in this.
With your consent they may record the consultation for teaching, training or assessment purposes.

Message to patients about the state of General Practice – PDF

Lothian | LMC
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