Forward Mid Directory 2025

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NHS Pharmacy First Scotland

What is the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland?

Everyone can go to their pharmacist for advice or to buy a medicine for a minor illness or ailment. There is a NHS service for people who would not have paid prescription charges under the old system. If your pharmacist thinks you need it then they can give you a medicine on the NHS without you having to pay for it.

Who is the service for?

You can use the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland if:

How does it work?

You register for the service with the community pharmacy of your choice.

How do I register?

What does the service offer?

You can get advice and free treatment from your community pharmacist for minor illnesses and ailments such as:

Acne

Athlete’s foot

Back Ache

Cold sores

Constipation

Cough

Diarrhoea

Ear Ache

Eczema

Allergies

Hay fever

Headache

Head lice

Indigestion

Mouth ulcers

Piles

Period Pain

Thrush

Sore throat

Threadworms

Colds

Teething

Warts

Verrucas

Nasal Congestion

Can I still go to other pharmacies?

Yes. You can still use other pharmacies to buy medicines or to pick up prescriptions.

But remember, you can only use the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland at the community pharmacy you’ve registered with.

If you want to go to another community pharmacy for the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland, you can. But you will need to register with the new pharmacy.

How to find out more

For more information contact:

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Pharmacies

The Apothecary, The Chemist, or The Pharmacy as it is now commonly known has changed over the years, not only in name but with the services we now provide to the public. A pharmacist goes through extensive training before qualifying, undergoing a four year degree course at university followed by a post graduate training year known as the Pre-Registration year, after which a final exam must be passed before they are able to work as a fully qualified pharmacist in either community, hospital or in industry. To alleviate pressures in GP practices and hospital casualty departments, pharmacy has been tasked to offer a vast range of services, which they are ably qualified and trained in administering.

Your first port of call in non emergency situations should always be your local pharmacy, where you will either be given advice and treatment, or if necessary referred to your GP. Services which are provided: The Minor Ailment Service, where you can register with your local pharmacy, have a consultation when you will be given appropriate advice, treatment or referral. It covers a varied and extensive range of ailments from coughs and colds to skin conditions, free of charge if you are eligible. Medicine Care Review, where you may be invited by your pharmacist to talk about your medicines, to make sure you are taking them correctly or if there are any issues, they may then inform your GP with your permission, if there is a problem to have it rectified if necessary. You may then be put on a service called Serial Dispensing if appropriate, for your repeat medication, which makes accessing your medicines simpler and quicker. Repeat Medication Service, where your ongoing medication can be ordered directly by the pharmacy usually on a two monthly cycle, and picked up at the pharmacy at your allotted date.

Multi-compartment Compliance Aids (MCA's), where if appropriate medication can be dispensed in weekly trays, mainly for patients who are on a lot of medication and or if they are confused or forgetful.

Palliative Care Pharmacies, where certain pharmacies keep an extensive stock of controlled and anticipatory drugs, and are on call for emergency situations.

Flu Vaccination Service, where you can have a flu jab administered at a cost of around £10, but this may be a free service in the near future, for specific groups of the population.

Travel Clinics, some pharmacies offer this service, where you can get all the relevant health information and treatment, for your exotic holidays, at a cost. Blood Pressure Monitoring, Diabetes and Cholesterol checks, can be undertaken at your local pharmacies free of charge (exception cholesterol checks)

Gluten Free (GF) Service, where we can prescribe GF Products free of charge to patients who have been assessed by GP and or Dietician.

Stop Smoking Service, where you will be supported through a 12 week course with weekly treatment and advice. You are 4 times more likely to stop smoking with this service which is free.

Substance Misuse Service, to support with addictions and supply opiate substitutes. Pharmacy First, a newish service that at the moment covers urinary tract infections and impetigo which allows a pharmacist to prescribe antibiotics if appropriate. This service will be extended in the near future to cover other ailments requiring antibiotics. Emergency Hormonal Contraception 'The morning after pill' can be supplied free of charge after a consultation and if is deemed appropriate. Chlamydia Service, where antibiotics will be prescribed on presentation of a voucher given by a health professional, free of charge.

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Physiotherapy

General Practice Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners (GP APPs) or “First Contact Practitioners”

The GP APP works within a GP practice as part of the primary care team assessing and managing people with muscle, bone or joint symptoms. Phone your local medical practice and request an appointment.

They provide an alternative to a GP appointment and offer the following.

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Podiatry

The Podiatry service provides a high quality, fully comprehensive foot health service for conditions affecting the lower limb. We assess, treat and advise patients with foot health disorders in order to maintain and maximise their quality of life and so encourage a healthy active life with feet that function normally and without discomfort.

When is the Service Open?
Monday to Thursday 08:30 hrs. to 17:00 hrs
Friday 08:30 hrs to 16:00 hrs

The Service is available, regardless of age, for those with a podiatric/medical need. All new patients must attend an assessment appointment at one of the clinics listed below.

Patients who are housebound may be treated at home. This means that the patient is unable to leave their home on any regular basis, without the assistance of Healthcare or Social Care personnel using an ambulance or patient transport vehicle. If the patient is able to leave their home on a regular basis to visit the doctor, hairdresser or shops, either alone or with the assistance of a friend or relative, we will expect them to visit their local clinic. Home visit patients must be referred by the GP or District Nurse.

NHS Lothian Podiatry Department - : www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/Podiatry.pdf Use link to download form, Patients can self refer for a clinic visit by filling out an application form. GP's or other health care professionals can also make referrals if they wish.

At the first appointment, A full podiatric assessment will be undertaken. A treatment plan will be negotiated with the patient. The outcome of this could be:

Biomechanics

This clinic assesses the lower limb and foot. If appropriate, an supportive insole can be prescribed to correct or limit abnormal foot function. This service is not generally appropriate where arthritic changes have taken place.

Nail surgery

In some cases, painful nails can be partially or completely removed under local analgesia. The nail bed is destroyed using phenol.

Diabetic clinics

Diabetic patients who attend our clinics receive an annual foot assessment in line NHS Lothian Guidelines. Higher risk patients may be seen more often. Low risk patients should not be referred to the service but seen within their GP practice.

Appliance laboratory

The Podiatry Department has a fully equipped laboratory for the manufacture of prescription insoles. Simple footwear modifications are also undertaken.

Midlothian Assessment Centres

 Bonnyrigg Health Centre, 109-111 High Street

 Mon - Thurs

 Dalkeith Health Centre, 24/26 St Andrew St.

 Daily

 Newbattle MG Blackcot Ave, Mayfield

 Wed, Thurs

 Penicuik Health Centre, 37 Imrie Place

 Mon - Wed

For enquiries about the service, please contact us Tel: 0131 536 1627

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Rapid Response Team

Who are the Team?

A team of health and social service professionals.

What is the role of the Rapid Response Team?

Our role is to work together with people who may be experiencing a crisis situation, and their carers.

What is the aim of the Team?

Our aim is to:

This support will be provided for up to six weeks.

We provide support using joint working. Our team includes occupational therapists, physiotherapists and clinical support workers.

The service is open to people who are over the age of 16 who are finding it difficult to stay at home or return home from hospital.

If you have been referred to the service, this could be because of one or more of the following reasons:

What support can we offer?

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The Smart Centre

The Smart Centre provides a wide range of rehabilitation technology services for the South East of Scotland, covering Lothian, Fife and the Borders. These include mobility and postural services (wheelchairs and special seating), prosthetics, orthotics, environmental controls, blue badge independent mobility assessment (Edinburgh only), custom design service, a disabled living centre and gait analysis service. We provide a national driving assessment service.

ORTHOTICS

The Orthotics team can prescribe and supply a wide range of Orthotics devices including footwear (made to measure and shoe alterations) insoles, ankle foot orthoses, knee braces, upper limb orthoses and spinal braces.

PROSTHETICS

The Prosthetics team assess, design and fit custom made Protheses (artificial limbs) appropriate to individual patients and their needs. The Prosthetists provide ongoing care and support to ensure patients can get the most out of their prosthesis.

WHEELCHAIR AND SEATING

The wheelchair and seating team assesses for and provides children’s buggies and manual and powered wheelchairs. If required the team can also fit these with pressure relieving cushions, postural supports, and custom contoured seats.

DRIVING ASSESSMENT

The driving assessment team offers assessment and advice on driving to people with disabilities, or medical conditions and also to referring GP’s, hospital Doctors and the DVLA on an individuals medical fitness to drive.

GAIT ANALYSIS

The Gait analysis team measures and analyses the walking of children, young people and adults using specialist high tech equipment to obtain information on the movements of the limbs and the actions of the muscles.

DISABLED LIVING CENTRE

The disabled (or independent) Living Centre (DLC) is a place where you can get free and impartial information and advice about equipment which can assist people who due to age, disability or illness have difficulty undertaking activities daily.

Open Monday – Thursday : 08:30hrs – 16:30hrs
Friday : 08:30hrs – 16:00hrs
Saturday and Sunday Closed

CONTACT NUMBERS:

All Services 0131 537 9177 then select :-
Option 1: Wheelchair and Seating or Custom Design Service
Option 2: Orthotics Service
Option 3: Prosthetics Service
Option 4: Driving Assessment Service
Option 5: Disabled Living Centre
Option 6: Environmental Control Service
Option 7: Blue Badge Service Edinburgh Only
Option 8: Gait Analysis
Option 9: SMART Centre Reception

Smart Centre
Astley Ainslie Hospital
133 Grange Loan
Edinburgh
EH9 2HL

: www.smart.scot.nhs.uk

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Alzheimer Scotland Midlothian
& National Services

Alzheimer Scotland’s Dementia Advisor is a point of contact for people with dementia and their families at any time that you have a question or concern and require information and advice about any aspect of living with the condition. This could include: understanding more about dementia and how to adapt to and cope with changes in your condition; identifying what you are entitled to; signposting local opportunities for support; and helping you to know and act on your rights.

Day Opportunities at “The Bungalow”, Bonnyrigg*

There are 2 models of support available for people living with dementia; our Day Opportunities and Enhanced Day Care services specialise in supporting people with dementia through therapeutic activities aimed at preserving and enhancing memory and life skills so that you can stay independent for as long as possible and live well with dementia. You will enjoy social interaction, fun, laughter, and the opportunity to make friends.

Our Day Services are registered with the Care Inspectorate. It is necessary to complete a referral form if you are interested in attending. To discuss whether this service would benefit you, please contact: Karen Fernie : kfernie@alzscot.org or : 0131 654 4356

D’Cafés

D’Cafés are for people living with dementia and their families. They are an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation, to make connections and develop friendships, and to support and learn from one another as well as Alzheimer Scotland staff and volunteers. The first half hour is spent together, as a whole group, taking refreshments, and getting to know each other. We then split into an activities group and facilitated carer support group for the remaining hour.

Meet ADAM

ADAM is a platform to help you find the right pieces of technology at the right time. Families and carers have told us that they would like to try using digital products and services to look after their health and wellbeing but worry about making the wrong choices or don’t have time to go looking for something that will work. We wanted to make things easier. : www.meetadam.co.uk/

Herbert Protocol (Police Scotland)

The Herbert Protocol is a form recording information on a person who is at risk of going missing and it’s referred to by the Police when there is a missing occurrence for that person. Having the Herbert Protocol to hand when your loved one is missing could speed up the search and mean you don’t have to struggle recalling information when you are stressed. You could share a copy of the Herbert Protocol with others in the family and care team.

For more information and to download the form, visit: : www.scotland.police.uk/what-s-happening/missing-persons/the-herbert-protocol/

Alzheimer Scotland
24 Pendreich Terrace
Bonnyrigg
EH19 2DS
Monday - Sunday: By appointment
: 0131 654 1114
: midandeastlothianservices@alzscot.org

Dementia Advisor: Michael Huddleston
: mhuddleston@alzscot.org
: 0131 654 1114

For more information, Please check our website at : www.alzscot.org and search ‘Support’.

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Cancer Journey

Improving the Cancer Journey

Improving the Cancer Journey can offer support with:

(The service works closely with Midlothian Macmillan Benefits Advice Service)

Macmillan Cancer support, Register charity in England and wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604) also operating in Norther Ireland.

Midlothian Care Support

If you have been affected by cancer and live in Midlothian, we are here to support you.

We recognise that cancer can affect every part of your life, so we provide a person centred approach which can include access to the following:

Whatever you need, this service can support you or give you details of the organisations that can help.

Appointments are available:

To make an appointment phone: : 07909 257419 or contact your local GP Practices.

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Medical Conditions websites

List of medical condition contacts to help get started on finding information on a specific condition.

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COMPASS. Therapy, Support

COMPASS. Therapy, Support, Community for people living with neurological conditions,

We help people find direction on their neurological journey. We address an individual’s challenges and symptoms, rather than a particular condition. We offer a choice of options and continuity of support, to help people explore what works best for them now, and in managing change.

Neurological symptoms are wide ranging and specific to the individual and can include both physical and emotional. Many symptoms are common, such as: persistent fatigue, ‘brain fog, weakness, joint pain, depression, non-restorative sleep, decreased alertness. partial or complete loss of sensation, numbness in the legs or arms, changes in coordination or balance, slurred speech and tremors.

Compass. Therapy Support provide:

Compass. Therapy Support offer practical advice and community sharing. We actively encourage befriending, peer support and social activities, and provide career support.

Our trading name change reflects that, in addition to providing self-management support therapies and services for those with living MS, an increasing amount of our work is now supporting people with other neurological conditions.  This includes those living with ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s, and severe Migraine/Cluster Headaches.

Therapy Support Fund.

All our therapies and classes are heavily subsidised through our Therapy Support Fund (TSF). This enables us to operate a minimum contribution system for those who can make a payment and provide treatment sessions free (limited, dependent upon funds/availability) for those who cannot: means-tested benefits. All community fundraising activities and events and donations help us maintain this fund. Only 12% of our income is derived from local authority grants.

Compass. Therapy, Support, Community.
Address: 40c Swanfield,
Edinburgh EH6 5RX
Phone: : 0131 554 5384
Email: : info@wearecompass.org.uk
Website: www.wearecompass.org.uk
: x.com/CompassTSC
Facebook: : www.facebook.com/CompassTherapySupportCommunity
: www.instagram.com/compasstsc/
YouTube: : www.youtube.com/channel/UCysTS8pARrn2knj3dUp-h0g

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SAMH

Every year 1 in 4 of us in Scotland will experience a mental health problem.

So it’s important to be ready to talk about mental health. Whether you are living with a mental health problem or supporting someone who is, accessing information is vital. SAMH is here to help you. Building a network of people who you can trust and share things with can help protect your mental health. A person you trust, such as a friend, family member, colleague or community leader, may be able to provide a listening ear.

If you are an employer, you have a responsibility to make sure you provide an environment that is healthy for all. And similarly, if you work in education, you want to be in the position to offer the right support to students with mental health problems.

It can be very difficult to see someone who you care about becoming distressed and unwell, but you don’t need to be an expert on mental health to offer support. Often, small everyday actions can make the biggest difference.

People will want support at different times in different ways, so ask how you can help. It might be useful to help them prepare for a doctor’s appointment. If your friend wants to get more exercise, you could do this together, or if your partner is affected by lack of sleep, you could help them get into a regular sleeping pattern.

Keep in mind that having a mental health problem is just one part of the person. People don’t want to be identified by their mental health problem, so keep talking about the things you always talked about.

SAMH is the Scottish Association for Mental Health.
Brunswick House,
51 Wilson Street,
Glasgow, G1 1UZ
: www.samh.org.uk/
0141 530 1000

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Sight Scotland

Charity Sight Scotland has launched a new Family Wellbeing Service, including a telephone helpline, providing support to people with sight loss and their families in the Lothians.

Individuals affected by sight loss, as well as carers, friends and families with a loved one affected by sight loss at any age or stage, can call the Sight Scotland Family Support Line on : 0800 024 8973 to access the charity’s expert advice, information and practical and emotional support.

The Family Support Line is free to call and open Monday to Friday, 10:00 hrs – 12:00 hrs and 13:00 hrs – 15:00hrs.

Following the new service’s initial launch in Edinburgh and the Lothians, the charity plans to launch its Family Wellbeing Service nationally in the coming months.

Through the Family Support Line, the Sight Scotland team can provide information and advice on a range of topics including emotional support and befriending; advice on a wide range of visual impairments; equipment, aids and home adaptations; maintaining independence; benefits and financial support; and how and where to get support in your local area.

Research by Sight Scotland had shown that visually impaired people and their families had experienced a lack of support in the early stages of a sight loss diagnosis and in helping family members cope with the impact of their loved one’s sight loss on their lives. Sight Scotland’s new Family Wellbeing Service aims to tackle this identified gap in support as the charity reaches out to even more people affected by sight loss in Scotland.

Colin Hilditch, Head of Community Services at Sight Scotland, said: “Sight loss has a huge impact on life, not only for the person with visual impairment themselves, but also for their loved ones. Our research revealed a need for more advice and emotional support for the whole family to help them cope with the impact of their loved one’s sight loss.

“We are proud to launch the new Sight Scotland Family Wellbeing Service and our new helpline to address this need for support. Our friendly team have extensive knowledge and experience to help each individual in any way sight loss is affecting them, and we hope people with sight loss and their families will reach out to us through our helpline for our expert advice and support.”

Other features of Sight Scotland’s Family Wellbeing Service include a befriending service, home visits (when Scottish Government restrictions allow) and online information and advice through Sight Scotland’s website, sightscotland.org.uk

For more information on the Sight Scotland Family Support Line, please visit sightscotland.org.uk/supportline

Supportline : 0800 024 8973
: www.sightscotland.org.uk
: sightscotlandveterans.org.uk

Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans
Tackling vision loss together

Sight Scotland is the new name for Royal Blind,
Scottish Sight Scotland Veterans is the new name for Scottish War Blinded.

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Blue Badge Scheme in Midlothian

The Blue Badge Scheme provides parking concessions nationally and across Europe for people with a permanent and substantial disability, whether that person is the driver or a passenger.

A Blue Badge allows you to park:

To qualify:

or be assessed as scoring:

If you do not meet the criteria above, you may have to attend an independent medical assessment to confirm that you are “unable to walk” or “ virtually unable to walk ”.

Note: IMA assessments have resumed, but there is a backlog due to the recent restrictions. We are working through this as quickly as possible.

The Blue Badge Scheme is extended on a pilot basis to some people who as a result of a diagnosed mental condition, have no awareness of danger from traffic and are likely to compromise their safety, or the safety of others. Downlaod and complete Form C : www.midlothian.gov.uk/blue_badge_cognitive_form_c   (you cannot apply online).

Renewals

A Blue Badge cannot be renewed: you must apply for a new one. Please apply at least 6 weeks before your current Blue Badge runs out.

How to apply

You are encouraged to apply and pay online : www.mygov.scot/apply-blue-badge This is the quickest way your application is processed within 4 weeks. Apply online if you need a badge urgently.Paper applications can take up to 12 weeks to be processed.

Paper applications

Download and print forms below, or collect them from your local library.

There are 3 application forms for a Blue Badge:

Use application form (Automatic) if you receive:

Use application form (subject to further assessment) if you:

Use the linked application forms if you:

Use Application form (risk in traffic) for anyone with a diagnosed mental disorder and/or cognitive impairment. Only those most in need will be eligible. This is defined as:-

People, who as a result of a diagnosed mental disorder or cognitive impairment, have no awareness of danger from traffic and are likely to compromise their safety, or the safety of others.

Rerturn your paper application to: to any Midlothian library or post to:
Blue Badges
Midlothian Council
Midlothian House
Buccleuch Street
Dalkeith EH22 1DN

Email: ptu@midlothian.gov.uk
Telephone: : 0131 561 5455

2nd Floor
Midlothian House
Buccleuch Street
Dalkeith
Midlothian EH22 1DN

Scottish Low Emission Zones

A Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is an area which sets an environmental limit on certain city roads, restricting access for the most polluting vehicles to improve air quality.

Vehicles that do not meet the emission standards set for a LEZ may be subject to a penalty charge notice.
If your vehicle is already compliant you do not need to register for a Blue Badge Holder Exemption.

Use the : vehicle checker on the LEZ Scotland website to check if your vehicle is already compliant. Find more information on the : exemption system and how to register on the LEZ Scotland website.

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Buses

Midlothian is served by Borders Buses, Dial-a-Bus, East Coast Buses, LCTS, Lothian Buses, and Prentice Coaches of Haddington. Legislation requires all buses and coaches to be low-floor and accessible for wheelchair.

Please check with individual bus companies for additional information when travelling by wheelchair. Normally buses can only carry one wheelchair. Some buses have 1 wheelchair space and 1 pram space, some buses now have 2 spaces.

Borders Buses : bordersbuses.co.uk/ 01896 754 350,
East Coast Buses : eastcoastbuses.co.uk : 0131 555 6363,
Lothian Buses : www.lothianbuses.com : 0131 555 6363,
LCTS : www.lcts.org.uk : 0131 663 0176,
Prentice Coaches of Haddington : www.prentice.info 01620 822620.

Lothian Community Transport Services (LCTS) : 0131 663 0176

The Lothian Community Transport Services (LCTS) links some areas in Midlothian that are less well served by the conventional bus network to local shopping centres on Mondays. The network is financially supported by Midlothian Council. Wheelchair users must pre-book the service in advance by calling LCTS : 0131-669 9959.

Dial-A-Bus(DAB) : 0131 447 1718 Operated by HcL

Transport for people with mobility challenges.

All DAB routes in Midlothian are supported by Midlothian Council. All Dial-a-Bus transport is wheelchair accessible. Each journey has a cost attached.

You need to be registered with HcL to use this service.

Call HcL office at Bilston Glen, : 0131 447 1718, or register on line at : www.hcltransport.org.uk/register National Entitlement Card accepted.

How Does it Work?

You can book a place by telephoning your local office, Monday to Friday. The bus will pick you up at your door and will set you down at the shopping location. You will have between 1 to 2 hours at the shopping centre and then return home. The driver will take you and your shopping to your door if you need help.

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