Self Referral
Most referrals to other specialists will require you seeing or speaking with a GP. However, there are a number of local services, listed below, that you are able to make self referrals to.
Podiatry
The podiatry department triage all new patient referrals. Please provide us with as much information as possible and include all relevant medical history and medication. Priority appointments are determined based on the information provided within the referral.
Mental Health Information Station
Your first stop for mental health information & resources. Are you affected with mental health issues? Or do you care for someone who is?
Mental Health Assessment Service
What is MHAS? MHAS is an emergency mental health assessment service. We are a nurse led team based at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also provide a service at the Royal Infirmary from 5pm – 8am Monday to Thursday and from 5pm Friday to 8am Monday.
0131 286 8137
Lothian Sexual Health
Everyone is welcome at our services. Whatever your sexuality, gender identity, age, ethnicity, or religion, we treat everyone with the respect and care they deserve.
Edinburgh Community Treatment and Care Services (CTACS)
Community Treatment and Care Services (CTACS) provide services previously delivered by GP practices. These may include wound care and dressings, suture removal, ear wax management, phlebotomy and other services too. Some CTACS are involved in the delivery of vaccination programmes now that those have moved away from general practice. Edinburgh CTACS offer a patient-focused booking system, meaning Edinburgh patients can access any of the clinics providing a more convenient service.
0131 537 7205
Vasectomy
Patients can either refer themselves in writing or telephone, or be referred by their GP. Both ways are welcome and there are no advantages to either route. For self referrals please contact the vasectomy secretaries on 0131 536 1512. Please leave a message and the secretaries will get back to you.
0131 536 1512
Physiotherapy/MSK Problems
We can only accept referrals from patients who are registered with a GP Practice in Edinburgh. You must be aged 16 or over to use the self referral service. Please either email the completed form OR print it off and send it to us, the email address and/or postal address are shown on the self referral form.
ithrive – Mental Health Support
iThrive Edinburgh is your online space for mental health and wellbeing information in Edinburgh.
Community Podiatry
To get support from the Podiatry Team complete the self-referral form linked below and email to the Podiatry Team. If you have a condition listed in the emergency or urgent section you will receive a phone call or letter with an appointment. If your referral is routine you will receive a letter to let you know you have been added to the waiting list.
Centre for Psychological Therapies
Provide support for young adults, children and young people, their parents and carers. Provide help with anyone experiencing low mood, depression, anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, health anxiety and panic along with trauma.
Currently unable to give support for anyone over the age of 26, whos behaviour or self-harm poses risk to self, staff and others which cannot be managed within a non NHS setting or anyone experiencing psychotic symptoms.
0131 650 4170
South East Recovery Service – Edinburgh
We are here to support you. We help anyone in South East Edinburgh who is struggling with drug or alcohol problems and wants help moving forward with their recovery.
We will work with you, your family and the local community to prevent and reduce harm, promote recovery and challenge stigma.
The way you get support from us will be different for a while, but we are still here. We’ll do everything we can to help you stay safe.
0131 661 5294
Termination of Pregnancy
Unplanned pregnancy is very common; around half of all pregnancies are unplanned. As many as one in three women in the UK has an abortion at some time in their life. The decision to have an abortion (termination of pregnancy, TOP) is not easy and it can be a very emotional time for those involved; talking it through with experienced professionals can help.
0131 536 2454
Lothian Sexual Health
Everyone is welcome at our services. Whatever your sexuality, gender identity, age, ethnicity, or religion, we treat everyone with the respect and care they deserve.
0131 536 1070
Podiatry
The podiatry team is made up of Podiatrists, Podiatry assistants and Admin staff who are responsible for delivering podiatry services across Lothian. All our Podiatrists are registered by the Health and Care Professions council (HCPC).We aim to help you to: Relieve pain, Maximise function and mobility,Prevent or minimise deformity, Reduce the risk of ulceration and amputation, Prevent future foot problems through health education and Self care where appropriate.
Mental Health Assessment Service
MHAS is an emergency mental health assessment service. We are a nurseled team based at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also provide a service at the Royal Infirmary from 5pm – 8am Monday to Thursday and from 5pm Friday to 8am Monday.
0131 537 6000
Living with mental health problems
We may be able to help if you need support as a result of mental health problems, and are already receiving support from the NHS as an in-patient at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital or from a Community Mental Health team or Intensive Home Treatment team.
Ask Social Care Direct for advice
You can ask us for advice or refer yourself or someone you know in Edinburgh through our Social Care Direct service. You may need help due to illness, frailty, disability or concerns about safety of an adult or child at risk of harm. You can phone or email us.
0131 200 2324
Edinburgh Community Stroke Service
ECSS (Edinburgh Community Stroke Service) is a multidisciplinary service provided by Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, an Employment and Training Advisor and Community Support Workers for stroke specific rehabilitation and support within the community based on individual rehabilitation need and goals.
Bladder Problems
Treatment for continence symptoms is offered in several departments within Edinburgh Community Physiotherapy Service. Currently the departments offering this service are: Pennywell All Care Centre, Leith Community Treatment Centre, Slateford Medical Practice, South Queensferry Health Centre and Tollcross Health Centre.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Helpline
The helpline is operated by the Musculoskeletal Advice and Triage Service (MATS) and is provided by fully trained call operators, nurses and physiotherapists.
This service can help by: finding out if you need to see a doctor, providing key information and advice to help with your problem, referring you to a physiotherapist or podiatrist if you need it.
Breathing Space – Feeling Low, Anxious or Stressed?
Breathing Space was launched in 2002 to address serious concerns about the mental wellbeing of people in Scotland. The service became a national phone line in 2004.
Breathing Space complements the work of other phone lines and agencies which are endeavouring to reduce suicide rates in Scotland.
0800 83 85 87
Penumbra – Mental Health
We work to improve mental health and wellbeing across Scotland and offer services and support throughout the country, administered by Area Offices.
We believe and statistics show that people can and do recover from significant mental health problems.
Penumbra supports people to live fulfilling and contributing lives. By following our person centred model of HOPE. For us hope is a vital part of recovery and supporting people to have and hold hope for the future is a key part of our work.
Scotland’s Financial Health Service
Working together with various stakeholders from the financial advice and support sector, the Scottish Government has developed this website to provide a one stop shop for those who have money problems or are seeking general help with their financial worries. We are an impartial website and do not provide advice directly but our aim is to signpost those in need to the most appropriate area of support, ranging from debt solutions, borrowing, managing your money or general welfare concerns.
Care equipment and adapting your home
If you’re elderly, disabled or have a long term health condition and want help to live safely and independently in your home, using equipment, technology or making adaptations to your home may be a good option for you.
This could include: getting equipment, like shower rails, adapting your home by installing a ramp or widening the doors, using everyday technology like computers or tablets to keep in touch with friends and family, or do your shopping online. Care Information Scotland can advise
0800 011 3200
Arranging or changing your DRS (Diabetic retinopathy screening) appointment
Most health boards have a diabetic retinopathy screening (DRS) service that can arrange appointments and answer any questions or problems you might have.
When you receive your DRS invitation letter you might need to contact your local service to arrange a time to have the test. You can also ask for a new appointment if you fail to, or can no longer, attend your appointment.
Book your Midwife appointment online
Your first main appointment is your booking appointment (booking visit) with your midwife normally between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you've just found out that you're pregnant, get the best start for you and your baby by making an appointment with a midwife
Most Health Boards in Scotland allow patients to book directly without seeing your Doctor, if your Health Board area is not shown, then contact the Practice for further advice.
Request transport to your Healthcare Appointment
Patient Transport Service provides ambulances to patients who need support to reach their healthcare appointment, or for their admission to and discharge from hospital, due to their medical/clinical needs.
0300 123 1236
My Diabetes My Way
The NHS Scotland interactive diabetes website to help support people who have diabetes and their family and friends.
You'll find leaflets, videos, educational tools and games containing information about diabetes. You can now also use this website to view your own up-to-date diabetes clinic results, to help you manage your condition more effectively.