Latest News

PRACTICE CLOSED - EASTER HOLIDAY - The Practice is closed Friday 29th March & Monday 1st April 2024 for the Easter Bank Holiday. For medical emergencies patients should contact NHS 24 on 111. Please order prescriptions by Mon 25th March. Thank you.


COVID-19 & FLU VACCINATION PROGRAMME:

Flu Vaccination Administration for Adults

The groups below are eligible for their flu vaccines this winter, with appointments starting from 04 September:

Aged 50-64 aged

18-64 with an eligible health condition

Non-frontline health and social care workers

Carers (including unpaid and young carers)

Teachers and support staff

Prison population and prison staff

Poultry workers

Flu Vaccination Administration for Children Children 6 months to under 2 years (at risk), 2-5 years old (not in school), and pupils at primary and secondary school are eligible for a flu vaccine this winter.

COVID-19 and Flu Vaccination Co-Administration

The groups below are eligible for their flu and COVID-19 vaccines this winter, with appointments starting from 18 September:

Frontline health and social care workers

Residents and staff in care homes for older adults

Aged 65 and over

Aged 6 months to 64 years of age, and at higher clinical risk from COVID-19

Pregnant women

Carers aged 16-64

Household contacts of those with a weakened immune system aged 12-64


Practice involvement in health research

Why do research?

As a practice, we feel that research is essential for NHS progress and can be of considerable benefit for individual patients and the public as a whole.

What is research?

Research can involve a range of activities, from filling in a questionnaire or being interviewed, to testing a new drug or procedure. Each study will explain, in detail, what is required.

How do you choose who to invite?

This practice takes part in research studies with the help of experienced NHS staff who access patient’s medical records solely for the purpose of identifying and inviting patients to take part in research studies. Each study will be looking for different patient ‘groups’ based on set study criteria. No personal identifiable data is removed from the NHS or provided to any researchers without specific consent from patients.

Do I have to take part in research?

If you receive an invitation to take part in research, you are not obliged to take part. If you don’t want to be contacted about research studies at all, please let the reception staff or your GP know.


Right Care, Right Place

Coronavirus is changing how our NHS Scotland works and how we access services to keep everyone safe. It’s important we all know how to get the right care, safely. The guides below (click on the links) will help explain which NHS service to use for different health concerns, and how to look after your health and the people you care for.

Right Care, Right Place Booklet (in English)

Link to booklet in different languages

Right Care, Right place - Quick Guide


CORONAVIRUS

Please click on the links below to access the latest information from the Scottish Government on Coronavirus www.nhsinform.scot or www.gov.scot/coronavirus


Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)

In the past there have been several cases of mumps at the University. Protection from this viral illness is provided by the MMR vaccine. If you have not been immunised, or think you have only had one dose of MMR, then please contact the Practice to arrange an appointment to see the Practice Nurse for this vaccine.

Mumps factsheet
MMR leaflet

For useful information regarding MMR please visit: https://www.nhsinform.scot/mmragainstmeasles 


Meningitis ACWY

First time University entrants under the age of 25 are advised to be vaccinated against Meningitis ACWY, prior to coming to Heriot Watt University. If you have not had this before coming to University, then you can attend the University Health Centre to arrange GP registration, and book an appointment to have this vaccination.

The Scottish Government recommends that students under the age of 25 who have never received a dose of Meningitis ACWY vaccine, should now receive the Meningitis ACWY vaccine to provide the best possible protection for this age group.

Registered students under the age of 25 that fall into the criteria above, who wish to have the Meningitis ACWY vaccine should contact the Practice to arrange an appointment with the Practice Nurse. 

For further information, visit http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/men-acwy-vaccine.aspx  or http://www.meningitis.org/.


Common Winter Illnesses


Winter Vomiting Bug

Click here for information on the Norovirus

 

 

Health News from the BBC and the NHS

BBC Health
NHS Choices Behind the Headlines
 
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