News
Southside Road Surgery, 43 Southside Road, Inverness, celebrates their expansion into new extended premises.
Southside Road Surgery have recently completed the renovation of premises at Southside Lodge, 45 Southside Road, to include additional consulting rooms, waiting room, meeting room, training suite and administration office as well as additional car parking to meet the increasing needs of their practice population.
The Surgery is delighted to announce the provision of the following staff/services now available on site –
- First Contact Physiotherapist
- Community Link Worker
- Primary Care Mental Health Service
- Pharmacotherapy Team
Beth Colliar, Practice Manager, said:
“I am delighted to announce the completion of this project which allows us to have additional services available at the Surgery for the convenience of our patients. Our patient numbers are increasing as our list remains open to new patients and the expansion of our premises is timely to give us additional space. We have recently extended our practice boundary, which now extends into Culloden in the East and the Canal to the West. All the renovation works were undertaken by local contractors as we are keen to support local businesses.”
Notes
Southside Road Surgery is owned by Drs Fraser, Kelly, Jones, Agrawal and Roxburgh in owner occupied purpose built premises. The practice cares for patients of all ages and our list is open to new patients.
Contractors – M J MacPherson & Sons Electricians, D Matheson & Son Plumbers, David Forbes Joinery, Gavin MacDonald Flooring, City Locks, A C Lobban & Son Painters, Hunter Landscaping, NuTel, Ness Tec
Phio - NHS Highland's digital musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy assessment
As part of our physiotherapy service, we believe it's important to offer you immediate support when you feel like you need it. Phio is a clinically-supported, digital musculoskeletal system. It is a free interactive online tool that quickly and accurately signposts you to the right pathway to support your MSK condition.
The Phio assessment takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and your answers will always be assessed by a qualified physiotherapy team. If your condition is deemed suitable, you will be invited to download an app on your smartphone with a programme of exercises tailored to your condition. You should receive this within 48 hours. Once you start, a team of physiotherapists are on hand to monitor and support you via a two-way chat.
This service is totally free, is overseen by the physiotherapy team at Phio, and will not impact your access to our other care services. Access Phio Here
EAR SYRINGE
A new information leaflet is now available on how to syringe your own ears - see under "Services" at top of page.
CLINICAL PRACTICE RESEARCH DATALINK
The Surgery contributions to the Clinical Practice Research Data Link (CPRD). Information in patient records is important for medical research to develop new treatments and test the safety of medicines. This Surgery supports medical research by sending some of the information from patient records to the CPRD.
CPRD is a Government organisation that provides anonymised patient data for research to improve patient and public health. You cannot be identified from the information sent to CPRD.
if you do not want anonymised information from your patient record to be used in research you can opt out by speaking to one of the GPs.
For more information about how your data is used, visit www.cprd.com/public
ENGAGE - Type 2 Diabetes.
Engage is an informative and interactive course to provide you with skills, knowledge and support to take control of managing your own Type 2 diabetes.
The course runs over the course of a 4 week period allowing you time to build on the skills and knowledge you have developed from week to week with the aim of you feeling confident by the completion. - for more details click here ENGAGE
DRUGS AND DIABETES
https://www.crew.scot/drugs-and-diabetes/
WHEELNESS - Click here to find out more
WheelNess is a programme from Cycling UK aiming to improve health and wellbeing through free access to bikes in Inverness. Wheelness information to apply - click here to fill out the application form. WheelNess Application Form
CHOOSE LIFE: IF YOU CAN READ BETWEEN THE LINES, YOU CAN SAVE LIVES
For help and advice for you or the person you're worried about, call Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or Samatritans on 116 123 www.chooselife.net/ask
SLEEP SCOTLAND NEW SERVICE: SLEEP SUPPORT TELEPHONE LINE
Sleep Scotland has secured funding to offer a Sleep Support Telephone Line, which allows us to extend support to all families of children and young people with sleep problems.
Sleep Support 0800 138 6565
If you are a parent or carer of a child or young person aged 18 months to 18 years who has sleep problems, then you can call us for advice and support.
Monday to Thursday 10am - 4pm. IF you require an alternative to using the telephone, email: sleepsupport@sleepscotland.org
SUFFERING FROM LOW BACK PAIN- CLICK THE LINK TO FIND OUT HOW TO DEAL WITH IT?
Both misunderstood and mismanaged, low back pain is a huge source of suffering for many people worldwide. Here's the up-to-date knowledge on the condition and some advice on the steps people can take to help themselves. Low back pain is common and recurrent, but rarely serious.
https://www.rte.ie/eile/brainstorm/2018/0130/937071-all-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-back-pain/
HIGHLAND BIPOLAR GROUP - Living with Bipolar?
Don't be alone - join Highland Bipolar Group for support and information in a friendly, relaxed environment - occasional guest speakers! No referral needed - our group is for anyone affected by Bipolar Disorder plus friends, family and carers - all welcome!
We meet the 4th Thursday of every month 7-9pm at the Spectrum Centre, 1 Margaret St, Inverness, IV1 1LS (Concourse Room)
Contact highlandbipolargroup@gmail.com or Bipolar Scotland on 0141 560 2050 for more info. www.bipolarscotland.org.uk
HIGHLAND HOSPICE - Taking steps - A walking group in Inverness for people who have been bereaved.
When you are grieving, it can be difficult to find motivation to get outside and to exercise, even if you want to and believe it’s a good thing to do. Finding sustainable ways to look after your general health and wellbeing can be an important part of grieving. It is increasingly recognised that being active in green spaces has wide ranging benefits. Taking Steps offers gentle yet brisk health and wellbeing walks in a friendly and supportive group of people who have all recently experienced the loss of someone they love.
Taking Steps does not offer formal support but is supported by trained walk leaders from Highland Hospice. People are welcome to join the group during the first year or so following their bereavement. All walkers in the group are ‘in the same boat;’ giving the opportunity to walk in companiable silence, to chat with others who have similar experiences, or a mixture of both.
We meet at 10.00am on the first and third Tuesday of each month, in central Inverness. Gentle and accessible walks include the Whin Park, River Ness and its Islands, and along the Caledonian Canal towpath. The walks are no longer than an hour, and you will be made very welcome, whatever your level of walking ability. After walking, you are welcome to stay on for refreshments and more company & conversation at a nearby café.
There is no charge for the walks, but you will need to bring some money if you wish to come to the café afterwards.
For more information and to register, please contact Simon Spence at Highland Hospice Bereavement Services on 01463 227901
You do not need to have had previous contact with Highland Hospice to walk with Taking Steps.
Taking Steps is a partnership with Step It Up Highland, a health walk initiative which aims to promote walking and its benefits to people from all walks of life. You can find out more about regular local health walks across the Highlands at www.pfw.org.uk
EVERY 4 HOURS SOMEONE IN SCOTLAND DIES OF SEPSIS www.nhsinform.scot/sepsis
Sepsis is a life threatening complication of an infection. If not treated fast enough sepsis can lead to loss of limbs or eve death.
Sepsis symptoms can multiply and get worse very quickly. If you notice and combination of these symptoms you need to take immediate action:
- Very High or low temperature
- Uncontrolled shivering
- Confusion
- Cold or blotchy hand and feet
- Not passing as much urine as normal
Every hour without treatment increases the risk of dying. Act immediately - call NHS 24 on 111 and ask "Is it Sepsis?"
THE NEW NHS INFORM WEBSITE -VISIT: https://www.nhsinform.scot/
The NHS Inform website has been updated with all new features making it simple to use and easier to manage your own health and wellbeing.
What you'll find on NHS inform
We provide information about:
•medical conditions
•injuries
•tests and treatments
•healthy living topics - such as smoking, alcohol, food and nutrition and mental wellbeing
•health news and events
•national health campaigns
•services provided by GPs, pharmacies and dental surgeries in Scotland
•your rights when using these services
HOW DO YOU SEE SCOTLAND?
Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of preventable sight loss among working-age people in Scotland. But, if changes to your eyes are detected early through retinopathy screening, it can be successfully treated to prevent permanent damage. If you're living with diabetes, don't miss your annual eye screening appointment.
Speak to your GP or healthcare team if you've not been invited for retinopathy screening. don't lose sight of what is important.
www.diabetes.org.uk/SeeScotland
If you want to talk about anything to do with diabetes, Diabetes Scotland is here for you 0141 212 8710
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT ORGAN DONATION CAMPAIGN
The Scottish government is committed to helping Scotland become one of the best performing countries in the world for donation and transplantation and there are a number of priorities in place to help us achieve this. We are pleased to be able to say that Scotland already has 45% of its population on the Organ Donor Register - The UK average is 36%.
A National Organ Donation Scotland campaign will run for 2 months across Scotland and will encourage the people of Scotland to join the Organ Donor Register and talk to their families about their decision. One person can save up to seven lives and with someone dying every day waiting on a transplant it is an important decision to make.
If you believe in Organ Donation, join the Register today, visit: weneedeverybody.org
ANTIBIOTICS DON'T WORK FOR MOST COLDS, COUGHS AND SORE THROATS
Rather than asking for an antibiotic, ask your Pharmacist about effective treatments to relieve your cold, cough or sore throat. For more information see leaflet below -
or visit - www.treatyourselfbetter.co.uk
LIVING WITH A TERMINAL ILLNESS AND LOOKING FOR SUPPORT?
Marie Curie are there for you and your family with the information and support every step of the way.
When you've been told that you are ill, and that you may not get better, how you choose to live the life you have becomes more important than ever. Marie Curie can help you and your loved ones find the information and support you need to get the most from the time you have.
Call the Marie Curie Support Line
0800 090 2309
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Home
REMEMBER - TRY AND ATTEND THE SURGERY ALONE UNLESS YOU HAVE A CARER
VACCINATIONS AND IMMUNISATIONS
In line with NHS Highland direction, we will no longer be responsible for the delivery of vaccinations and immunisations effective, including childhood immunisations.
All vaccinations will be NHS Highland run clinics held in the community. Patients eligible for vaccination will be invited via letter to attend or book the appointment.
Patients can direct questions about child or adult immunisations to the NHS Highland Service Delivery Centre (SDC) helpline: phone 08000 320 339. For specialist advice about your vaccinations and immunisations, please contact the Health Protection Team on 01463 704886.
Information is also available on the following websites:
Immunisation and vaccines –
https://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/health-and-wellbeing/immunisation-and-vaccines/
Immunisations in Scotland –
https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation
Specialist advice in relation to vaccination and immunisation -
https://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/your-services/all-services-a-z/health-protection/
Travel vaccination -
https://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/health-and-wellbeing/immunisation-and-vaccines/travel-vaccines/
PHYSIOTHERAPY APPOINTMENTS NOW AVAILABLE
We now have a Physiotherapist, Emma Cameron, who is available for appointments in the Surgery on Wednesdays and Fridays. If you are age 16+, you can book a direct appointment with the reception staff to see Emma instead of making a GP appointment – no referral needed from your GP and you don’t need to fill out any forms either.
This service gives patients improved access to assessment for musculoskeletal symptoms affecting your joints, bones, muscles and soft tissue conditions. Emma can also provide cortisone steroid injections for shoulders, knees and hands.
Emma can provide diagnosis, self-management advice, exercises as well as onward referrals and investigations such as x rays and blood tests. She can arrange medication, if required, following assessment. At your appointment she will assess your symptoms and discuss your treatment options. She can answer any questions and help you decide how best to manage your condition.
To make an appointment, simply ask reception staff for a physio appointment. You can also watch this short clip about the service - First Contact Physiotherapist
Phio - NHS Highland's digital musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy assessment
As part of our physiotherapy service, we believe it's important to offer you immediate support when you feel like you need it. Phio is a clinically-supported, digital musculoskeletal system. It is a free interactive online tool that quickly and accurately signposts you to the right pathway to support your MSK condition.
The Phio assessment takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and your answers will always be assessed by a qualified physiotherapy team. If your condition is deemed suitable, you will be invited to download an app on your smartphone with a programme of exercises tailored to your condition. You should receive this within 48 hours. Once you start, a team of physiotherapists are on hand to monitor and support you via a two-way chat.
This service is totally free, is overseen by the physiotherapy team at Phio, and will not impact your access to our other care services. Access Phio Here
Diabetes - Type 2, gestational and pre-diabetes
There are new resources for diabetics, including iPad loans - click on link below for new info
Free Period Products
Free period products are available in Highland to everyone who needs them. They can be accessed at community locations, through a home delivery service and are also available to pupils in schools.
Who can access free period products?
Everyone can access the free period products. Whether you need them for yourself or for someone else, if you live or work locally, or you are visiting the Highlands, you are welcome to take what you need at our collection points.
What types of products are available?
You can access disposable pads and tampons at collection points and through the home delivery service. You can also order reusable products such as cups and pads through the home delivery service.
For further information on collection points or to order for home delivery, visit https://www.highland.gov.uk/freeperiodproducts
** NEW - SURGERY ABROAD WITHOUT NHS REFERRAL** - updated June 2023
**Updated guidance Information for Patients Attending Private Hospitals and Clinics .pdf**
NHS Scotland does not recommend choosing to pay to travel abroad for surgery as part of a packaged holiday. This is sometimes called surgical or cosmetic tourism. Surgical options in Scotland can appear more expensive. But you should think about the potential savings against the potential risks of travelling for surgery.
Decisions about surgery
The most important decision to make about any operation is whether it is the right one for you. You should always talk to the surgeon who would carry out your operation about the best way to get the results you want.
To help you make an informed choice, you should ask:
- what are the benefits?
- what are the risks?
- what are the alternatives?
- what if I do nothing?
Read more about asking the right questions -
https://www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/its-ok-to-ask/
Many clinics abroad do not offer a consultation with your surgeon until the day of surgery. This does not allow enough time for you to make decisions. You should have time to think about what was said, and to decide what's right for you.
A common alternative offered by these clinics is an appointment with an advisor. The advisor may or may not be medically qualified. This is unsafe, as the only person who can advise you properly is the surgeon who will operate.
You may also be offered video consultations. Video consultations do not allow for a proper physical examination, which is key to deciding the best operation for you. In the UK, the medical regulators (General Medical Council) require a face-to-face consultation before planning cosmetic surgery.
Packages of care
You should fully understand what's included in any private treatment package, either at home or abroad. The operation is only one part of treatment. You'll need routine care before and after the actual operation. NHS Scotland is under no obligation to provide this.
Complications of having surgery abroad
Most surgical procedures go well but there can always be complications. You should understand what's included in your treatment package in the event of complications. One cause of problems after surgery abroad is the holiday that comes with the surgical package. A key part of recovery after surgery is rest. Taking part in activities such as swimming and sunbathing can have a negative effect on healing. You should not fly soon after surgery as the risks of clots in the legs is much greater. It's possible for clots in the legs to spread to the lungs, which can be life threatening.
NHS Scotland recommend you do not fly for:
- 5 to 7 days after procedures such as breast surgery and liposuction
- 7 to 10 days after facial cosmetic procedures or tummy tucks (or any abdominal surgery)
NHS Scotland will always provide emergency care where needed. But there's no obligation for NHS Scotland to provide further routine treatment. It's important that you know where to go for the routine care needed before and after your operation, and in the event of any complications.
Why does UK treatment cost more?
The benefit of using UK services if you're choosing to pay for treatment is that hospitals and clinics are all regulated. This means that they may appear to be more expensive than abroad. But you do not have the reassurance that services outside the UK are regularly inspected. Meeting regulatory requirements comes at a cost, and contributes to the relatively higher price of UK treatment.
Also, most UK centres provide all required aftercare as a part of the package, including follow up visits with your surgeon. In the event of complications, your surgeon is available to deal with any issues if they happen.
You should ask what is included in any package abroad compared with one available locally. All extra care before and after surgery should be provided. Any tests or appointments not included within the original package of care you pay for may prove more expensive to buy later as extras.
Recommendation
Choosing to pay to travel abroad for surgery is not recommended by NHS Scotland, or by the surgical specialist associations in the UK.
If you still wish to do this, be aware that NHS Scotland is under no obligation to provide pre and post-operative care other than emergency care.
Surgery abroad without NHS referral -
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MOVING HOUSE OR LOOKING TO REGISTER WITH US? Please check our boundary area!
Are you new to the area or looking to change Practice? We would be happy to help you. You can register by clicking here or call the Surgery to speak to the reception staff. Please remember and check that your address is within our boundary first.
Our boundary has been extended and we can now accept registrations from addresses up to the canal which includes the Bught, Ballifeary, Dalneigh and Merkinch areas and heading east as far as Culloden Academy, including Moray Park Avenue, Moray Park Terrace, Moray Park Wynd, Woodside Farm Drive and Heights of Woodside.
Our previous boundary areas are all still included too - Citadel, town centre, Millburn, Crown, Raigmore, Inshes, Milton of Leys, Cradlehall, Culloden, Resaurie, Westhill, Smithton, Easter Muckovie, Culcabock, Drakies, Hilton, Milton, Castle Heather, Drummond, Lochardil, Holm, Culduthel, Druid Temple, Holm Dell to name a few!
Speak to reception or email reception nhsh.gp55874-reception@nhs.scot if you need clarification.
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NEW COMMUNITY LINK WORKER SERVICE
We are delighted to welcome a Community Link Worker, Helen Wilson, to the Surgery. Community Link Workers (CLWs) use a social-prescribing approach to support individuals to look at what matters to them and help support them to connect with their local community resources in way that will help them reach their identified health and well-being goals. Individuals can seek help for a broad range of needs, for example, if they are feeling lonely, having money worries or concerned about their fitness.
Patients can have several meetings with the CLW and the service is person-centred in its approach, so the referrals the CLW makes will depend entirely on the issues highlighted by the patient. For example, if the patient highlights a concern about money, the CLW will refer them to money advice services in their local area and sometimes nationwide. If the patient has concerns about their fitness, they may suggest a walking group or exercise class. And if they are feeling lonely they can introduce them to local groups and social activities.
There is more information about the new Community Link Worker service in Highland, which is delivered by Support in Mind Scotland, on the following link -
Community Link Worker Project, Highlands | Support in Mind Scotland
If you think that you might benefit from a referral to the Community Link Worker, please make a 'phone or face to face appointment with one of GPs .
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APPOINTMENT ATTENDANCE
Patients who do not arrive for their booked appointments results in an increase in waiting time for appointments and frustration for both staff and patients. If you cannot make it to your pre-booked appointment then please let us know a minimum of 4 hours before the appointment time so we can give the appointment to another patient.
Southside Road Surgery has a policy for dealing with persistent non-attendance and which could result in a patient being removed from our list and having to find another doctor. Due to the amount of lost appointments, we will now start writing to patients once they have failed to attend pre-booked appointments on 2 occasions. Full details of our policy can be found here: DNA POLICY
Opening Times
Surgery Opening Times
| Morning | Afternoon | |
| Monday | 08:30 - 12:30 | 14:00 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:30 - 13:00 | 14:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:30 - 13:00 | 14:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:30 - 13:00 | 14:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:30 - 13:00 | 14:00 - 18:00 |
| Weekend | closed | closed |
Consulting times are from 08:20 - 17:30 Monday - Friday.
Our 'phone lines are open from 8.30am-1.00pm, and 2.00-5.30pm. Please note that the 'phones are busy between 8.30-9.30am so it may be better to phone later unless you need to make or cancel an appointment for that day.
Monday-Friday 1.00-2.00pm and 5.30-6.00pm - if you require urgent help over lunchtime or towards the end of our working day, please telephone our emergency number 725930 - number also available on our answerphone.
Please note the practice will be closed for training purposes every Monday from 12:30 - 14:00. If you require urgent help when we are closed for training please telephone 725930. The details of this number will also be available on our answerphone.
Contact Details
Online Services
