New walk-in GP service opens

A new walk-in GP clinic is opening in Sauchie today.

It allows people to see a GP, with no appointment needed.

The facility will initially open two days a week on Mondays and Thursdays, from 12pm to 6pm.

The Scottish Government is rolling out new clinics across the country.

A statement from NHS Forth Valley says:

"It will initially be open on two days a week on Mondays and Thursdays from noon until 6.00pm. However, there are plans to extend the number of operational days and hours as additional GPs and Advanced Nurse Practitioners are recruited over the coming months, working towards the provision of a 7-day service from noon until 8.00pm.

There are also plans to develop a pharmacy service on Sundays for the first time in Clackmannanshire. This will be provided on a rota basis by a number of existing local pharmacies in the Clackmannanshire area.

The new pilot service will provide care for people across the Clackmannanshire Council area with non-life-threatening conditions who require immediate treatment and cannot wait for a routine GP appointment. This includes treatment for pain or fever, a suspected chest, throat or ear infection, acute or new urinary symptoms, stomach or bowel problems, muscle, joint, or back pain and headaches or dizziness. People will be able to attend the service on a drop-in basis without an appointment although they will also have the option to phone and book an appointment, if preferred.

It will treat people aged over three months who are registered with any of the 7 GP Practices in Clackmannanshire as well as individuals living in Clackmannanshire who are not currently registered with a local GP Practice.

The service is not for patients with medical emergencies, minor injuries or mental health conditions and does not provide repeat prescriptions, medical letters or fit notes or routine blood tests. Patients who attend the GP walk-in service with a condition that is not urgent or is better treated elsewhere, will be redirected to the most appropriate service."