Firrhill Medical Centre

26/02/2026

24/02/2026

💛 This week is

No one should feel shame or go through an eating disorder alone. Support is available and things can get better.

Our iThrive resource brings together:
✨ Recovery information from Beat
📄 Easy-to-read factsheets from the NHS Lothian
💡 Self-care tips from Mind
🤝 Guidance for supporting someone else

You don’t have to face this on your own, help is here.

👉 Explore the full resource: https://ithriveedinburgh.org.uk/self-help/self-help-guides-resources/eating-disorders/

23/02/2026

23/02/2026

NHS 24’s Mental Health Hub is open to all ages. If you are in Scotland and have an urgent mental health need, there's support available to get you the right care in the right place. 💙

Find out more about NHS 24's mental health services: https://nhs24.info/mental-health-services

12/02/2026

🤢💩 Caught norovirus? - here's our quick guide on what to do to help you feel better and prevent it from spreading to others.

TREATING NOROVIRUS

🔹 take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains
🔹 get plenty of rest
🔹 use special rehydration drinks if you have signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth or dark urine. These are available in community pharmacies

Norovirus can be very unpleasant but usually clears up by itself in a few days. You can normally look after yourself or your child at home.

⚠️Avoid going to your GP, as norovirus can spread to others very easily.

📱Phone your GP practice or NHS 24 on 111 if you’re concerned or need advice.

PREVENTING THE SPREAD

🔹 stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after the norovirus symptoms have stopped
🔹 avoid visiting anyone in hospital during this time
🔹 wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water particularly after using the toilet and before preparing or handling food
🔹 be aware alcohol-based hand gels don’t kill the virus
🔹 disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated, using a bleach-based household cleaner.
🔹 wash any items of clothing or bedding that could have become contaminated separately on a hot wash (60°C)
🔹 do not share towels and flannels
🔹 flush any poo or vomit in the toilet and clean the surrounding area with a bleach-based household cleaner
🔹 avoid eating raw, unwashed food
🔹 only eat oysters from a reliable source as they can carry norovirus

Remember norovirus spreads very easily in public places such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools. Follow our hygiene tips above to prevent the virus from spreading further!

12/02/2026

Carers Scotland have created a guide for unpaid carers about how to advocate for yourself. It covers:

- Understanding your rights: your legal entitlements as a carer in Scotland
- Communicating effectively: body language, tone, assertiveness and more
- Recognising your feelings such as anxiety, anger, guilt, or loss – and how to take care of yourself

Download it for free from the Carers Scotland website: https://ow.ly/BPV950Y81xg

12/02/2026

Who loves pancakes?!

12/02/2026

Your plan for discharge starts when you arrive in hospital. You can talk to your medical team to ensure you return home as soon as you're medically ready to.

More at nhsinform.scot/home-first

11/02/2026

Caring Spaces Art Club is a gentle, welcoming monthly art session run by local artist Juliana Capes. It offers a calm, creative break and a chance to connect with other carers from the comfort of your own home. A short list of materials needed will be emailed in advance. You can request to have the materials posted out to you if needed.

Register for free on our website: https://ow.ly/qbKx50Y82NB

10/02/2026

09/02/2026

The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme designed to assist in locating individuals with dementia who may go missing, providing essential information to emergency services for a swift response. The form contains vital information such as:

- A description of the individual along with a recent photograph.
- Details about any medications they take.
- Important phone numbers to contact in case of an emergency.
- Familiar places that may provide comfort, or where the individual may go if they wander off.

More information and a copy of the form can be found at https://orlo.uk/A4Znv

09/02/2026

We run a social enterprise called Treasure Tree, which buys and sells second-hand mobility and accessibility equipment. All the money we raise through Treasure Tree is invested back into VOCAL's support and services for unpaid carers.

Treasure Tree aims to reduce the cost of caring while encouraging a circular economy, by re-selling mobility equipment (which cannot be recycled) at affordable prices.

You can access Treasure Tree on eBay or in person at our shop in Ocean Terminal. Find us on the first floor, near the lift (you can also access this floor by parking in car park level C).

Our opening hours are Monday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm. Find out more at vocal.org.uk/treasure-tree