Carolside Medical Centre Newsletter
December 2024
As we move into December we are finding an unprecedented demand on the practice resources. We have a longer wait for routine appointments than ever and do ask that patients remember the Pharmacy First service, which can treat a number of minor ailments including sore throats and urinary tract infections (UTIs). They can provide prescriptions where necessary, give advice and refer onto other healthcare teams, including the GP. Where appropriate we encourage you to try the Pharmacy First service. Find out more about this service by clicking here.
Our planned clinical software change will no longer be taking place in February. This has been indefinitely paused. Apologies for any confusion. We have only been informed of this today, 11th December, after notifying patients, and this is outwith our control. This is part of a national rollout and so we await further direction from Scottish Government and our Health Board. This means that there will be no change to how we work and we will be booking appointments as usual over January and February.
In other news, two members of staff have begun their maternity leave this month; Dr Lesley Blackwood and our Assistant Practice Manager, Ciara. Dr Mustafa re-joins us at the start of January to cover Dr Blackwood’s absence. He will be familiar to many and we are delighted he is able to help us out.
We ask for your patience and understanding over the coming busy winter months. Please treat staff with respect when speaking with them.
Finally, on behalf of the practice may I wish everyone a lovely Christmas and health and best wishes for 2025.
Kind regards
Carolside Medical Centre