Appointments 

When phoning to book an appointment, the receptionist will ask if you would mind briefly explaining the reason for the appointment.  This helps ensure you see the right person.  If you prefer not to explain the reason, don't worry - you do not have to say.

Routine Appointments - bookable up to 4 weeks in advance

For non-urgent new health problems and for follow-up of exisiting health problems.

Same Day Appointments - bookable from 8am

For health problems needing attention on the same day.  Please be flexible regarding who you see.

Early Morning and Early Evening Surgeries (Extended Opening)

We offer early morning and early evening surgeries. These times vary through the week to suit the needs of our patients.

These are pre-bookable up to 4 weeks in advance - helpful if you wish an appointment outwith normal working hours.

Please contact reception for further details.

Emergency Appointments - for urgent health problems

We are unable to guarantee a specific doctor or nurse for these.  Please remember these are for emergencies, not routine health matters.

Video Consultations

Due to the current situation, COVID19 and social distancing, Dr McLachlan & Partners have introduced video consultations.  You will need an internet connection and a mobile phone, laptop or computer.

If you are offered a video consultation, the receptionist will ask you for your email address.  You will then be sent the time of your consultation and information with a link explaining how the consultation will work.

Please take a minute to read Near Me this will explain how the video consultation process works.

Please note, all confidentiality rules apply when having a video consultation.

Practice Nurses

Our prescribing nurses, Sister Moira McLachlan, Sister Jane Schmidt and Sister Sarah King are the first point of contact for many of your health needs, including:-

Sore throats  Tonsillitis   Earache  Sinusitis  Minor respiratory infections   Urinary infections in females

Eczema  Acne  Warts  Skin infections  Nail infections   

Immunisations and Travel advice 

They also advise on:-

Family Planning  Smears  Blood Pressure  Smoking  Weight management  

Monitoring of Long Term Conditions

Sister Moira Mclachalan and Sister Jane Schmidt monitor, inform and support patients with:-

Asthma   COPD  Diabetes   Hypertension (high blood pressure)  Kidney disease   Strokes

Treatment Room Nurse

Sister Carol Ormiston carries out:-

Ear syringing  Dressings  Stitch & staple removal  Warfarin monitoring  

Treatment of acute burns, wounds and cuts  Leg ulcer treatment

Health Care Assistants

Leeanne Devenny and Elaine Swanson do the majority of blood sampling in the practice.  They also give Vitamin B12 injections and Leeanne deals diabetic feet checks.

Home Visits

When requesting a home visit, please try to call before 11am whenever possible.

Home visits are available for patients who, for example, are housebound or are so unwell they are unable to attend the surgery.

We would however encourage you to be seen at the surgery if possible, where we have better facilities to treat you.

Minor Ailments Service at Pharmacies

 The Minor Ailments Service allows eligible patients to register with and use a community pharmacy of their choice as the first port of call for the treatment of common minor illnesses on the NHS. 

These links give more information about this service.

What is the Minor Ailment Service?

Your Local Pharmacies

Boots Pharmacy 01436 674059

Rowlands 01436 674186

Gordons 01436 672823

Wee Boots 01436 676573

Cardross Pharmacy 01389 841999

Garelochhead Pharmacy 01436 810002

Sickness Certificates

You do not require a doctor's sickness certificate for any illness lasting seven days or less. Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or on the  www.gov.uk website.

Evidence that you are sick

If you are sick for more than seven days, your employer can ask you to give them some form of medical evidence to support payment of SSP (statutory sick pay).

It is up to your employer to decide whether you are incapable of work. A medical certificate, now called a 'Statement of Fitness for Work’  or "Fit Note" from a doctor is strong evidence that you are sick and would normally be accepted, unless there is evidence to prove otherwise.

You could also provide evidence from a doctor who is not your GP, e.g. a hospital doctor.