ORDERING OF REPEAT MEDICATIONS - Please note that from the 1st of April 2025 we will require extra time for ordering of repeat prescriptions.  We now require 5 full working days to prepare your medications before collection.  The dispensary working days are Monday to Friday.  We require this extra time due to the increase in requests received, checking processes, delayed deliveries, some medications require more frequent checks by the Doctor, before items can be issued.  We appreciate your help with this change.  Notices have been added to all repeat prescription slips in the bags issued lately.  Notices are on display in the Practice.  Thank you.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS - Benbecula Medical Practice and the Daliburgh Branch Surgery will be closed on Friday 18th April, Monday 21st April, Monday 5th May, Monday 4th August for the public holidays.  Normal emergency arrangements apply.

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MEASLES AND WHOOPING COUGH

There are outbreaks of measles and whooping cough in the UK at present. The best protection against these highly contagious diseases is vaccination. We ask that you phone ahead to inform the surgery if you have a cough, fever and a rash, to avoid putting other patients at risk. If you have had contact with a case of measles or whooping cough, and have not been vaccinated, you may be at risk. If you have a rash, you will be contagious for 4 or more days after the rash appeared. For more information, visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/measles/ 

DISTRESS BRIEF INTERVENTION SERVICE 

Staff at the surgery have recently undergone training to allow them to refer to a new service, Distress Brief Intervention. This is a self-management program supported by trained staff for people experiencing acute mental distress. For more information, you can visit their page. Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) - Change Mental Health (changemh.org) This includes a short video outlining how the service works. 

BENBECULA MEDICAL PRACTICE TRANSFERING TO HEALTH BOARD MANAGEMENT IN APRIL 2024: 

The practice has transferred to health board management on the 2nd April 2024. There will be no changes to services to patients or staffing. Dr Dawson and Dr Johnson will continue to work at the practice in the medium term, while the health board recruits new GPs to work in the hospital and the practice.

Dr Dawson says "I am very proud of the services that we provide to patients, and the support we offer to each other as a team. Our practice manager, Sheena MacKinnon, has been exemplary in keeping everything well organised in the run-up to the handover. I'm also very proud of our patients, and the good relationship between the practice staff and practice population, and I would like to say thank you to you all for your support. I look forward to that same kindness and support to all and from all in the future."

COVID, FLU, SHINGLES AND MEASLES VACCINATIONS: 

If you would like a vaccine but have not been contacted, please call 0808 196 8383 or email wi.vaccination@nhs.scot as soon as possible. The lines are busy so please keep trying.  The vaccination team will be arranging home visits to those that are unable to attend the clinics. If you are an unpaid carer for someone whose welfare depends on your help, please visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/carersregister or contact the surgery to register. There is more information on nhsinform.scot 

IT IS OK TO ASK:

For any treatment, work out what suits you. Ask yourself and your doctor:

• Benefits - what are the benefits of my treatment plan?
• Risks - what are the risks from my treatment plan?
• Alternatives - are there any other ways of managing my problem?
• Nothing - what happens if we do nothing?

For more information, please visit NHS inform - realistic medicine. One of the GPs, Dr Dawson, writes an occasional blog about her views on realistic medicine.

Welcome to Benbecula Medical Practice

Please phone 602215 if you need medical advice or assistance. You will be asked to say what your main problem is, so you can be directed to the most appropriate appointment. It is at your discretion, but it helps you get the best support available on the day. 

If you need medical help outside surgery opening hours, please visit NHS inform website for advice, or call 111

VIDEO CALLS - Phone the practice and ask to make a video appointment. Click the button below to connect. 

The Good Photography Guide: Do you want to sent a clinical photograph to the surgery? photographs should be emailed to wi.benbecula@nhs.scot. 
Practice patient charter. This is to be read in conjunction with the NHS Scotland patient charter. 
Visit us on Facebook: For patient participation, updates and chat.

Get help for yourself; save time and travel. Visit our self-referral page HERE. 

For comments, feedback, complaints and suggestions, check our contacts page, or use the practice contact form.

Opening Times

The Practice is open Monday to Friday between 08:30 - 17:30. The dispensary is open from 9am onwards.  To make an appointment at either site, please phone between these times.  Anyone registered with us may attend either the main surgery or the branch surgery. The doctors and nurses work at both sites. You can also make appointments with the pharmacist or physiotherapist. 

Appointments may be telephone, VC or face-to-face. Appointments are generally 15 minutes or more. 

PLEASE NOTE - the surgeries will be closed for some of the public holidays and on some afternoons for staff training. Details of these closing dates will be on display in both surgeries, on the Practice website and will also be announced on the local radio station.

We may also be closed in the event of very severe weather conditions.