As a Health and Social Care Partnership we are committed to ensuring that we prescribe effective and safe treatments. We provide regular reviews for patients who are taking medications long term.

Lidocaine plasters are licensed only for the short-term treatment of post herpetic pain – that is pain that occurs following shingles infection. It is also used to treat other types of pain, but this use is unlicensed.

This means that the long-term safety of using this product has not been established.

There is very little evidence that lidocaine plasters work for nerve or other types of pain.

Therefore, following new guidance issued by NHSGGC Health Board after the review of the cost- effectiveness of this medication, there is a recommendation to reduce and discontinue the use of these lidocaine patches.

Use of the plasters often causes desensitisation of the nerve endings meaning continued use is unnecessary and many patients have found that discontinuing these plasters has led to no worsening of their pain control.

Anyone receiving these plasters who feels they need some extra help when discontinuing these patches should please contact the practice who will organise an appointment with the pharmacist who will give advice on how to manage their pain. We can also signpost to alternative resources for pain management.

Lidocaine plasters will be removed from repeat prescription list for request. Anyone who feels the need to continue on these plasters should please contact the practice who will organise a conversation with the pharmacist.

The free, online, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Type 2 Diabetes Hub hosts information to help anyone who needs support to self-manage their Type 2 Diabetes or support a family member or friend in doing so.

The hub includes information on what Type 2 Diabetes is, the symptoms, and how it can be managed via eating and movement – including recipes, cooking demos, and exercise.

Control IT Plus can also be accessed via the hub. This is a lifestyle programme for people who have been diagnosed with, or are at risk of developing, Type 2 Diabetes. It is delivered online by a range of NHSGGC health professionals, across two interactive sessions.

Find the GGC Type 2 diabetes hub - here

Sandyford is a confidential space for young people who are sexually active or want information on relationships and sexual activity. Our dedicated Young People Service offers a mixture of drop-in and appointment clinics in the Greater Glasgow area for any 13-17 year-olds who want support or care for their sexual health.

Visit the link below for more information, opening times and contact details. 

https://www.ypsandyford.scot/young-peoples-clinics/

No matter which, if any, gender you identify with, it’s important you’re aware of which screening services you’re eligible for. This screening information is provided to help you access the screening you’re eligible for. Screening information for the transgender community | NHS inform

As soon as you have had a positive pregnancy test, we recommend you start taking Folic Acid and Vitamin D supplements (if you have not already started). Your local pharmacy can advise you on how much to take.

To start your pregnancy journey you should also self-refer to maternity services:

You can book in online here - Meet Your Midwife - NHSGGC or you can call the Maternity Booking Line on 0141 347 8422

We are aware that there are significant delays in outpatient appointments at the moment. Please contact appointments on 0141 347 8850 if you wish to find out about your place on the waiting list. 

NHS inform has helpful informaiton about waiting times for outpatient appointments and planned operations - Waiting times | NHS inform

If you urgently need a dentists but you are not registered to a clinic, you can contact the Emergency Dental Treatment Centre on 0141 232 6326, Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm. 

For further information about dental services, click this link - Dentist - NHSGGC

You should call 999 in a life-threatening emergency only. Life-threatening emergencies are different for adults and children.

Are you confused about who to call when you have a medical problem? This helpful NHS inform page highlights all the services available so that you get the right care at the right place ...

https://www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/right-care-right-place/

Stepping Stones current services are listed below and available to all residents of West Dunbartonshire who are aged 16 years or older. The services can be accessed in the following locations across West Dunbartonshire. - Clydebank Library - Clydebank Health and Care Centre - Ben View Resource Centre, Dumbarton - Riverside Church, Dumbarton - Vale Centre for Health and Care, Alexandria. Each service has a waiting time that can vary between 3-6 months depending on the amount of referrals they receive.

(1:1) Peer Support Work

(1:1) General Mental Health Support Work

(1:1) Guided Self Help

(1:1) Social Groups Walking Groups

Relaxation Classes

Bereavement and Loss Peer Support Group

Women's Support Group

Self-Management Classes

To make a referral call 01419412929, or send a referral query by clicking this link - Referrals - Stepping Stones (stepstones.org.uk). 

The Nuffield are running a free Joint Pain Programme to help relieve pain and lead a more independent life.

Over the 12-weeks you'll learn how to self-manage your joint pain with the expert guidance of a Rehabilitation Specialist. You'll have two 1-hour group sessions each week, as well as access to an extensive offering of online articles throughout.

You'll also receive a free Joint Pain Health assessment at the beginning, middle and end of the programme – not only to show your progress, but also to allow us to better understand conditions, ensure the efficacy and safety of the programme, and continually improve.

Find out more information here - https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/about-us/our-impact/healthy-life/joint-pain-programme

It is now even easier to order your repeat precriptions online!

• If you are a registered user please order your prescription via the link at the top of this page (Online services) . 
• If you are not registered please complete the Request Repeat Prescription Form

If you are not able to use these forms, you can order your prescription by telephoning the dedicated “Prescription Line” on 01389 312200.  This is a 24 hour service which is available 7 days a week.

You may have your prescriptions sent to the local pharmacy in Old Kilpatrick or a pharmacy of your choice in the Clydebank area.  You should allow 72 hrs (not including weekends) from the time of your request to the prescription being completed by the practice. There is additional time for processing then at the pharmacy. Please bear this in mind when ordering your prescription.  Prescriptions can also be collected from the practice but allow 72 hours following your request.  If there are any problems with your request the practice will contact you via phone or text message. 

We have a large volume of calls relating to prescription requests which block the phone lines for appointments and urgent matters. We ask that you leave 72 hours from when you have requested the medication to make any enquiries and contact your local phamrcy in the first instance if your prescription goes there directly. We thank you for your co-operation on this matter. 

Did you know NHS Pharmacy First Scotland is a free NHS service provided by your local community pharmacy???

From Monday 24th April, the practice will be closed between 12:30 and 13:30 everyday. This is to allow for administration, training and lunch. We thank you for your understanding. In case of emergency, please call the practice in the usual way for advice. If you have a life threatening emergency call 999.