Is my local GP or pharmacy open?
NHS Inform publishes interactive GP and pharmacy opening times online. These allows you to filter by area, to find out which GPs and pharmacies are currently open near you.
GP practices
Remember if you GP surgery will close during planned public holidays, you may have to rely on your pharmacy to stock up on over the counter medicines and make sure that you've ordered the prescriptions you need in advance.
Order your prescription well in advance
Allow 7 days between ordering your prescription and collecting it from the pharmacy. Some pharmacies send text alerts to let you know when your prescription is ready. Ask your pharmacy if they offer this service.
Online prescriptions
Many pharmacies and GP practices now offer online services to order repeat prescriptions using your phone or tablet without having to set foot in a pharmacy. Please remember that over busy times, prescriptions will take a little longer to be processed. If you do run out of medicine, you can contact your community pharmacist for advice.
Community pharmacies continue to offer a number of services that reduce the need to visit your GP. The NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service is available from all pharmacies in Scotland and provides the opportunity for free advice and treatment for a number of minor conditions. You can choose which pharmacy to use and in most cases, you won’t have to make an appointment.
NHS Inform self help guides
Find a range of useful self help guides at NHS Inform to help manage a whole variety of common ailments and conditions.
Joining the pharmaceutical list
Applications can only be made by people eligible under the conditions specified within the Medicines Act.
Potential applicants to the pharmaceutical list contact the health board to enquire about opening a pharmacy or relocating an existing pharmacy; the Board has no ability to proactively seek applications.
Read more here about current pharmacy applications
