West Calder Medical Practice

25/05/2026

🌟 We’re Hiring — Morning Receptionist 🌟

West Calder Medical Practice is looking for a friendly and organised Morning Receptionist to join our team.

📅 20 hours per week (mornings)
📍 West Calder Medical Practice

This role involves welcoming patients, answering calls, booking appointments and supporting our clinical team. If you enjoy helping people and want to be part of a supportive community practice, we’d love to hear from you.

Please see advert for full details and how to apply.

NHS Scotland's Counter Fraud Service has become aware of potential approaches to individuals which result in requests for payments in connection with applications. You will never need to make any form of payment to apply for an advertised post.

21/05/2026

Today we’re celebrating Caroline, who is retiring after an incredible 26 years as our receptionist here at West Calder Medical Practice. If you’ve ever walked through our doors, chances are Caroline was the first person you met — calm, organised, and always ready to keep things moving even on the busiest days.

She’s been the steady voice on the phone, the friendly face at the desk, and the person who somehow always knew exactly what needed to happen next. After more than two decades of early starts, endless questions, and juggling everything the front desk throws at you, she’s finally getting a well earned break.

Thank you, Caroline, for everything you’ve done for the team and for our patients. We hope your retirement is full of lie ins, no appointment books, and plenty of time to enjoy life at your own pace.

07/05/2026

📢 Practice Update

To ensure equal access for all patients, we will no longer be booking appointments at the reception desk between 8:00am and 8:30am.

This will help us prioritise urgent morning requests and this allows us to keep things fair for all patients.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

29/04/2026

Since January 2026, West Calder Medical Practice has had 280 ‘Did Not Attend’ appointments.
Missed appointments mean longer waits and fewer available slots for everyone.

If you no longer need your appointment, please let us know.
Cancelling helps us offer that time to another patient who needs it. If the phone lines are busy you can cancel online by following this link.

https://www.westcaldermedicalpractice.org.uk/clinics-and-services/appointments-tests-referrals/appointments-with-the-doctors/cancel-an-appointment/

Thank you for helping us care for our community.

Please use this Form to cancel appointments more than 24 hours in advance. If you are unable to attend an appointment please let us know in plenty of time to assign your appointment time to another…

27/04/2026

📢 Bank Holiday Closure – Monday 4th May 2026

West Calder Medical Practice will be closed on Monday 4th May for the Bank Holiday.
We will reopen as normal on Tuesday 5th May.

For urgent medical help during the closure, please contact NHS 24 on 111.
For emergencies, always call 999.

24/04/2026

A huge well done to The McCormack Clan, who are walking the full West Highland Way to raise funds for Marie Curie. This charity provides compassionate care to families during some of life’s most difficult moments, and their efforts help ensure that support continues.

If you’re able to contribute or share their fundraiser, it would be greatly appreciated.

27/03/2026

🐣 Easter Bank Holiday Closure Notice 🐣

West Calder Medical Practice will be closed on Friday 3rd April and Monday 6th April for the Easter bank holiday weekend.

We will reopen as normal on Tuesday 7th April.

For urgent medical help during this time, please contact NHS 111. In an emergency, always call 999.

Wishing all our patients a safe and happy Easter weekend.

25/03/2026

****Practice Closure****

The Practice will be closed for Protected Learning Time (PLT) from 1pm - 6pm on Wednesday 25th March 2026.

Our phone lines will remain on for emergencies only.

For all urgent medical problems that can't wait please call 01506 874300

19/03/2026

🚦 Traffic Lights in West Calder 🚦

Please allow extra time for your appointment due to the traffic lights in West Calder. If you arrive late, you may not be seen, as we need to keep to scheduled times for everyone’s benefit.

Thank you for your understanding.

18/03/2026

📢 Important Update: Meningitis B Concerns

PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE PRACTICE

We’ve received a high number of calls regarding the recent Meningitis B outbreak in England. We understand how worrying this is for many families, and we want to make sure everyone has clear, reliable information.

🛡️ MenB Vaccination – Key Points to Know
• The MenB vaccine is part of the routine childhood schedule in Scotland.
• Babies are offered doses at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 12–13 months.
• Most children can receive the vaccine unless they’ve had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose or an ingredient.
• The vaccine helps protect against meningitis and sepsis caused by group B bacteria.

🏥 NHS Lothian Eligibility
• All babies in NHS Lothian are routinely invited for MenB vaccination through the Scottish childhood immunisation programme.
• Appointment letters come directly from the local NHS immunisation team, not GP surgeries.
• Children who have missed a dose can usually still receive it—contact the immunisation team for support.
• Children with certain medical conditions affecting the spleen or immune system may be eligible for additional protection.

👥 Adult Eligibility
• Adults are not routinely offered the MenB vaccine.
• However, some adults may be eligible if they have specific medical conditions that increase their risk, such as:
o Certain immune system conditions
o Removal or poor function of the spleen
o Other conditions where a clinician recommends additional protection. Please speak to your consultant if you believe you are in the very high adult risk group as this is not something the practice can help you with.

• Adults may also choose to seek the vaccine privately if they wish to discuss protection with a healthcare professional.

📞 For advice about eligibility, symptoms, or general guidance, please contact the Vaccination Helpline on 0300 790 6296.