Annandale Medical Practice

08/01/2026

Freezing temperatures continue this week - take care out there ❄

Plan ahead, take extra care if you need to travel, and be prepared for changing conditions.

If you’re out and about, watch for icy surfaces.

✅Wear shoes with good traction
✅Slow down - no rushing!
✅Walk Like a Penguin

Visit www.nhsforthvalley.com/winter for more information.

06/01/2026

05/01/2026

📞 Wondering when to call 111? Here’s what you need to know:

For minor illnesses like colds or sore throats, your local pharmacy is the best place for advice and treatment. Call 111 when you need urgent health advice but it’s not an emergency.

Know your options and get the right care, at the right time.
↪️ https://nhs24.info/when-to-phone-111

05/01/2026

02/01/2026

📢 IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ.

The 2nd of January is one of the busiest day of the year for our services and the 111 service is expected to be VERY busy which may mean a prolonged wait for calls to be answered. Here's what you can do to help yourself, save time and help us care for those in the most need first.

📱NHS inform has a range of symptom checkers for common illnesses and conditions you can use to help you decide what to do next: https://nhs24.info/symptom-checkers

🤒Check out the winter illness hub on NHS inform if you need help with colds, flu, coughs, sickness bugs, etc: https://nhs24.info/winter-illness

💊If your call is related to medicines please visit https://nhs24.info/accessing-medicines
Whether it is prescribed or non-prescribed medication, our guide to accessing medication can save you time. You might not need to call 111.

✔️By using NHS resources wisely, we can keep well and get the care we need quickly, safely and as close to home as possible.
Find out more about how to access the : https://nhs24.info/RightCareRightPlace

If you are using a mobile phone to call please switch to WiFi calling and ensure your device is charged. This will help to prevent your call being disconnected. Some mobile providers disconnect calls due to network capacity demand. NHS 24 does not cut calls.

NHS 24's staff are working exceptionally hard to answer as many calls as we can, quickly and safely. Please be patient and we will answer. If you can try the above options first, it could save you time. We want to help you get the right care, in the right place. 💙

01/01/2026

01/01/2026

🥳Wishing all our patients a happy & healthy 2026🥳

❗️Please note we are closed on
Thursday 1st of Jan & Friday 2nd of January 2026❗️

❗️In a life threatening emergency please call 999❗️

❗️For urgent medical advice please call NHS 24 on 111❗️

❗️We will re open on Monday 5th of January at 8am, please bare with us as this will be an exceptionally busy day after the holidays, we would appreciate it if you can call after 9am for non urgent matters❗️

Thank you

31/12/2025

31/12/2025

GP practices and many community pharmacies won't be available on New Year's Day and 2nd January.

Make sure you collect your prescriptions early and know what to do if you need urgent care.

👉 Check out our festive hours and advice on our website: https://services.nhslothian.scot/rightcare/public-holidays/

If you need emergency care out with opening hours, please call NHS 24 on 111.

29/12/2025

Due to high call demand relating to dental issues across out of hours services, callers tonight are being advised that they are likely to experience long waits to access dental care. Dental surgeries, along with other primary care services, will re-open tomorrow morning and will be able to provide support.

29/12/2025

Get ready for the bells 🎉🔔
Follow our tips so you and your loved ones are health-prepared to say hello to 2026.

📲 Use NHS inform symptom checkers
When you’re feeling unwell, NHS inform's symptom checkers and self‑help guides will give you fast, expert‑designed advice on what to do next and how to manage common symptoms.

💊 Check medicines and repeat prescriptions
Make sure you have enough prescribed medicines as many GPs and pharmacies will be closed over New Year. Order only what you need, and collect before holiday closures. If you run out when the GP is closed, a community pharmacist may be able to give an emergency supply.

🤧 Manage winter illnesses at home
NHS inform has practical guidance for coughs, colds, sore throats, flu, norovirus and more - including self‑care and when to seek help.

🩹 Have remedies and first aid items available at home
It’s helpful to keep over‑the‑counter remedies such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (if suitable for you), antihistamines, anti‑diarrhoeals, indigestion remedies, a mild laxative, and a basic first‑aid kit. Always follow the pack advice and don’t overstock as medicines can go out of date. If unsure, ask a pharmacist.

🤒 For minor ailments - Remember Pharmacy First
If you’ve got a minor illness, your local community pharmacy is the first place to go for advice - no appointment required. Pharmacists (and trained team members) can assess, advise and provide medicine where appropriate, and will refer you to a GP, dentist, optometrist or another service if needed.

🗓️ Know your festive opening times
GP practices and pharmacies may have different opening hours on public holidays. Check local opening times and find nearby services using Scotland’s Service Directory on NHS inform.

🚑 Know where to get the right care in the right place
Call 999 or go to A&E for emergencies that are life or limb-threatening. Otherwise, NHS inform can help you decide what to do next, including when to contact your GP or 111.

Need more info? All links in the comments!