Hermitage Medical Practice: NHS GP appointments, hours, open surgery, prescriptions and patient help
Hermitage Medical Practice is an NHS Scotland GP practice based at Balfour Pavilion, Astley Ainslie Hospital, 133 Grange Loan, Edinburgh EH9 2HL. This practical guide explains appointment access, open surgery, routine booking, phone number, opening hours, Thursday training closure, repeat prescriptions, local chemists, test results, sick notes, registration, doctors, parking, home visits, reviews and NHS 24 help.
Use this number for: appointment access, open surgery questions, routine booking, cancellation, home visits, registration questions, test results between the right hours, prescription queries, access needs, or if you are unsure whether you should use NHS 24, pharmacy or the GP.
Hermitage Medical Practice
Balfour Pavilion
Astley Ainslie Hospital
133 Grange Loan
Edinburgh
EH9 2HL
Use the full Astley Ainslie Hospital address because “Hermitage” can bring up unrelated surgeries and private clinics in search results.
Open directionsGoogle and Bing search-intent map for Hermitage Medical Practice
Patients usually search more than the practice name. Common search intent includes “Hermitage Medical Practice appointments,” “open surgery,” “phone number,” “opening hours,” “repeat prescriptions,” “test results,” “sick note,” “join the practice,” “doctors,” “parking,” “Morningside,” “Grange Loan,” “Astley Ainslie Hospital,” “NHS 24,” and “Hermitage Medical Practice CQC rating.” This guide answers the meaning behind those searches, not just the words.
| Search phrase | What the user usually needs | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| Hermitage Medical Practice appointments | Morning access, open surgery, pre-booking, phone booking or online portal. | Use appointment section |
| Open surgery | Whether you can attend without pre-booking, arrival window and safe capacity rules. | Use open surgery section |
| Repeat prescriptions | How to order, when to order, no-phone rule, processing time and chemist collection. | Use prescriptions section |
| Test results | When to call, how reception can help, child consent rules and urine sample timing. | Use results section |
| Sick note | How to request a fit note and when self-certification may be enough. | Use sick note section |
| Join the practice | Boundary, online registration, in-person registration, timing and proof of address. | Use registration section |
| Parking | Where to park near Astley Ainslie Hospital and where not to park. | Use parking section |
| CQC rating | Whether English CQC ratings apply to a Scottish GP practice. | Use reviews section |
Unique patient decision hub: choose the right Hermitage route in 60 seconds
Use this section when you are unsure whether to phone, attend open surgery, book routine care, call NHS 24, ask a pharmacy, or use emergency services.
I need help today
If it is life-threatening, call 999. If it is urgent but not life-threatening and the practice is closed, call NHS 24 on 111. If the practice is open, phone early and clearly say if the matter is urgent.
I want morning GP access
Appointments for the morning surgery can be made between 8am and 10am by phone or by attending. Availability can run out before 10am.
I want open surgery
Open surgery runs Monday to Friday from 9am. Patients must arrive in person and be booked in by 10am. Safe daily caps apply.
I want a planned GP appointment
Routine in-person and telephone GP appointments can be booked up to 6 weeks ahead by phone, in practice or online.
I need repeat medication
Order when your supply is due within 2 weeks. Use Patient Services, repeat order form, online form or email. Do not phone prescription requests.
I need results
Phone between 2pm and 4pm. Reception may give results, and a GP call can be arranged if a doctor needs to speak to you.
Hermitage Medical Practice opening hours and Thursday staff training closure
The official opening-hours page lists weekday opening from 8am to 6pm, with Saturday and Sunday closed. The practice also states that from 1 March 2026 it is closed for staff training every Thursday from 12pm to 1pm, with emergency contact arrangements during that hour.
| Day or access point | Listed information | Patient tip |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 8am to 6pm | Phone early if you need same-day care. |
| Saturday | Closed all day | Use NHS 24 on 111 for urgent non-emergency help. |
| Sunday | Closed all day | Use 999 for emergencies and NHS 24 for urgent advice. |
| Thursday training closure | Every Thursday 12pm to 1pm from 1 March 2026 | Avoid routine calls during this hour. |
| Public holidays | Listed separately on the official contact/opening pages | Order repeat medicines early before closures. |
| Out of hours | NHS 24 on 111 | Use 111 for urgent help when the GP is closed. |
How to book Hermitage Medical Practice appointments
The appointment system is not one single queue. Hermitage Medical Practice offers morning access, open surgery, routine pre-booking, online booking, telephone booking, physiotherapy appointments, mental health nurse appointments and home-visit triage. Reception may ask a brief description so the practice can direct you to the most relevant clinician.
Use 999 for danger signs. Use NHS 24 on 111 when the surgery is closed and the problem is urgent but not life-threatening.
Availability may be gone before 10am, so do not wait if you need same-day help.
The official appointment page asks patients to state clearly if their case is urgent so reception can manage it appropriately.
Routine face-to-face and telephone GP appointments can be booked up to 6 weeks ahead by phone, in the practice or online.
Some problems may be better handled by a nurse, phlebotomist, pharmacist, physiotherapist or mental health nurse.
If your appointment was arranged more than 48 hours in advance, the practice has a cancellation notification route; you can also phone.
Hello, my name is [name]. My date of birth is [date of birth]. I am a patient at Hermitage Medical Practice. I need help because [one clear sentence]. Is this suitable for open surgery, a routine appointment, a nurse/pharmacist appointment, or NHS 24?
Hermitage Medical Practice open surgery: how it works
Hermitage Medical Practice says open surgery is accessible on the day without a pre-booked appointment and takes place in the morning for all patients. The clinics run Monday to Friday from 9am, but patients must arrive in person and be booked in by 10am. Safe daily limits apply.
| Open surgery rule | What it means | Practical patient tip |
|---|---|---|
| In-person check-in | You must arrive in person to be booked in. | Do not rely on arriving late and expecting a slot. |
| Check-in by 10am | Patients can check in from 8am and must be booked in by 10am. | Arrive early if you can, especially on Mondays and after public holidays. |
| Starts from 9am | Open surgery clinics run Monday to Friday from 9am. | Bring something to read and allow waiting time. |
| Safe daily cap | The practice may ask patients to return another day if the safe level has been reached. | Urgent cases should be stated clearly. |
| 10-minute appointment | Open surgery appointments are 10 minutes long. | Use it for one main problem only. |
| One problem only | The practice asks patients not to bring a list of problems. | Book a pre-booked afternoon clinic if you need longer. |
Before you call or attend: practical checklist
Having the right details ready helps reception and clinicians route you safely. It also reduces repeat calls and avoids missed callbacks.
I have had [symptom] for [time]. It is [getting worse / not improving / affecting sleep / affecting work]. I have tried [medicine or self-care]. I take [regular medicines]. I am worried because [reason]. I need advice on whether this is suitable for open surgery, GP appointment, pharmacist, physio, mental health nurse or NHS 24.
Hermitage Medical Practice doctors, nurses and wider healthcare team
The official team page lists GP partners and their usual consulting days, plus nurses, healthcare assistants, practice management and a pharmacy team. Doctor availability can change because of leave, training, meetings and illness, so use this as a practical guide and check with reception before relying on a specific day.
| Clinician/team | Officially listed information | Patient note |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Judy Gibson | Consults Monday all day, Wednesday all day and Thursday morning | Check current availability before planning. |
| Dr Eilis McKechanie | Consults Monday morning, Tuesday all day and Wednesday all day | Ask for continuity if it is an ongoing issue. |
| Dr Niamh Soraghan | Consults Monday all day, Wednesday morning and Thursday all day | Urgent problems may be routed to the fastest safe clinician. |
| Dr Nicky Blackwell | Consults Tuesday, Thursday and Friday all day | Days can change around leave or training. |
| Dr Julie Calder | Consults Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday | Use one clear problem first when booking. |
| Dr Cathy Taylor | Consults Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday | Ask reception for current rota if preferred clinician matters. |
| Dr Colin Brueggemeier | Practice news says he joins as a salaried GP from July 2026, working Wednesday and Thursday | Check current team page after July 2026. |
| Nurses | Support diabetes, CHD, asthma, COPD, smear tests, contraception, sexual health, blood pressure, blood tests and dressings | Not every problem needs a GP. |
| Physiotherapist | Can see musculoskeletal problems when available | Useful for joint pain, sprains, stiffness, back, hip, knee and shoulder problems. |
| Mental health nurse | Can support stress, anxiety, grief, postnatal worries and related mental health problems | Ask reception if this route suits your issue. |
Hermitage Medical Practice repeat prescriptions
The official prescription page says prescriptions can be requested when your supply is due within 2 weeks. The preferred option is Patient Services, but repeat prescriptions can also be ordered using the repeat order form, online repeat prescription form or the listed clinical email. For safety and accuracy, the practice says it cannot accept telephone prescription requests.
Patient Services
The practice lists Patient Services as the preferred option. You need to attend the practice with photo ID first to set up online access.
Repeat order form
Use the repeat order form provided with your prescription if you do not use online services.
Online repeat form
The official prescription page links to a repeat prescription form route.
Email route
The practice lists clinical.s71449@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk for prescription email requests, but says not to email asking for script updates.
| Prescription issue | What the practice says | Practical action |
|---|---|---|
| When to request | When your supply is due within 2 weeks | Do not order too early unless there is a reason such as travel. |
| Processing time | 3 working days | Requests sent over a weekend may not be ready until Wednesday. |
| Telephone requests | Not accepted for safety and accuracy | Use Patient Services, form, email or written request. |
| Medication review | At least once a year for repeat medication | Book the requested review to avoid delays. |
| Going abroad | Maximum routine supply is limited, often up to 3 months or less | Plan early and arrange care abroad for long stays. |
| Private specialist medicine | The practice may not always prescribe medicines recommended privately | Ask before assuming NHS GP prescribing will continue private treatment. |
Local chemists, collection and delivery questions
The official prescription page lists local chemists that may offer a delivery service and asks patients to speak to them directly. Pharmacy opening times, delivery availability and collection times are separate from GP processing time, so check with the chemist before travelling.
Helpful NHS Scotland video: Right Care, Right Place
This Scottish Government video helps patients understand why the safest route might be NHS 24, pharmacy, GP, minor injuries, A&E or 999 depending on the problem. It is especially useful when you are deciding whether Hermitage Medical Practice, NHS 24 or emergency care is the right next step.
Test results, urine samples and child consent
The official test-results page says patients should phone 0131 447 6277 between 2pm and 4pm for results. In most cases, reception can give the result over the phone. If a doctor needs to speak to you, a GP callback can be arranged.
| Result or sample issue | Official/practical rule | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| When to phone for results | Between 2pm and 4pm | Avoid calling in the busy morning period for routine results. |
| Normal result but symptoms continue | The practice says to contact them again | Do not assume “normal” means you should ignore ongoing symptoms. |
| Urine samples | Hand in before 12pm Monday to Friday | Do not leave samples in the foyer. |
| Children aged 13 to 16 | Consent may be needed before parents can access results | Ask about consent at the time the sample or test is taken. |
| Need GP interpretation | Reception can arrange a GP call if needed | Ask clearly what you do not understand. |
Sick notes, fit notes and practice forms
Hermitage Medical Practice has an online sick-note request route and a practice-forms section. Use these for the right type of administrative request rather than taking an urgent appointment that could be needed for a medical problem.
Fit note request
Use the practice’s sick-note request route where appropriate. Give clear dates and explain whether you have already seen a clinician.
Mental health forms
The practice forms page includes PHQ-9, GAD-7 and mental health medication review forms.
Long-term condition forms
Forms include asthma, breathlessness, epilepsy, smoking and other review tools.
Work paperwork
Ask your employer what evidence they need before requesting a GP letter or fit note.
Join Hermitage Medical Practice as a new patient
The official registration page says patients can register online using a new registration service and should allow 7 days for online registration to be completed. Alternatively, patients can complete the new patient registration form and questionnaire and hand them in at the practice. You must live within the practice boundary.
The official page says you must live within the practice boundary.
The practice says online registration means you do not need to attend in person.
The official registration page says the online registration process can take 7 days.
Paper forms can be handed in person between 10am and 4pm according to the official page.
The page says in-person registrations take place Monday to Friday 10am to 4.30pm and asks patients to bring proof of address.
Services patients often need
The official services page lists several clinical and admin areas. Exact access depends on clinical need, staffing and appointment type, so use the service list as a guide and ask reception which clinician is best.
Parking, buses, disabled access and arrival tips
The official access information says there is a restricted parking area directly in front of the surgery for doctors only during working hours. Pay-and-display parking is listed in Hermitage Terrace, Cluny Avenue and Nile Grove. The practice also lists easy disabled access to waiting, reception and doctors’ rooms, plus a disabled toilet facility.
| Travel need | Official/practical detail | Patient tip |
|---|---|---|
| Parking directly outside | Restricted area for doctors only during working hours | Do not rely on parking directly in front of the surgery. |
| Pay-and-display parking | Hermitage Terrace, Cluny Avenue and Nile Grove | Allow time to find a space and walk in. |
| Public buses | Official page lists bus routes including 11, 15, 16, 23, 5, 51, 37, 24 and 38 nearby | Check live Lothian Buses updates before travelling. |
| Disabled access | Easy access to waiting/reception/doctors’ rooms and disabled toilet | Tell reception in advance if you need extra help. |
| Open surgery arrival | In-person check-in from 8am, booked by 10am | Leave extra time for parking and walking. |
Reviews, GP Patient Survey and CQC search confusion
Hermitage Medical Practice is in Edinburgh and works within NHS Scotland. CQC is the Care Quality Commission for England, so a search for “Hermitage Medical Practice CQC rating” can be misleading for this Scottish GP practice. For patient feedback, the official feedback page points to the GP Patient Survey and practice feedback routes.
Scotland note
Do not expect an English CQC profile for this Edinburgh NHS Scotland GP practice.
GP Patient Survey
The official page explains the GP Patient Survey and links to detailed survey results.
Read reviews fairly
Look for recent patterns, not one old review. Appointment systems and staffing can change.
Constructive feedback
The homepage invites constructive suggestions to the Practice Manager.
Email, sending requested information and data safety
The official contact page says patients may have been asked to email an image or letter by the practice team and lists clinical.s71449@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk for that purpose. It also says patients should only send information requested by a clinician by email. If you have clinical concerns and need advice, make an appointment to speak to the clinical team.
| Need | Best route | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Urgent clinical concern | Phone the practice, NHS 24 or 999 depending on severity | Email may not be checked quickly enough. |
| Clinician asked for a letter/info | Use the official clinical email if instructed | Only send what was requested. |
| Prescription request | Use the prescription page routes | The practice says not to phone prescriptions and not to email for script updates. |
| Medical record request | Follow the data protection policy route | Records need identity and privacy checks. |
Hermitage Medical Practice map, directions and local arrival guide
Address: Hermitage Medical Practice, Balfour Pavilion, Astley Ainslie Hospital, 133 Grange Loan, Edinburgh, EH9 2HL. Use the map for planning only. Confirm opening hours, appointment time, parking and access needs before travelling.
Before travelling
Check the exact time, whether it is open surgery or pre-booked, and whether you need to bring medicine, forms, samples or letters.
If attending open surgery
Arrive early enough for in-person check-in by 10am and allow time for parking or walking from bus stops.
If bringing a sample
Urine samples must be handed to a practice team member before 12pm Monday to Friday.
If someone else drives
Give them the full address and explain that the practice is within the Astley Ainslie Hospital site.
What to do when Hermitage Medical Practice is closed
The official opening-hours and contact pages say to call NHS 24 free on 111 if you need urgent medical attention outside surgery opening hours. In a genuine emergency, call 999. The practice specifically mentions chest pains and/or shortness of breath as emergencies.
| Problem | Use this service | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | Call 999 | Chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding, collapse, not responding. |
| Urgent but not life-threatening | Call NHS 24 on 111 | Too ill to wait for the GP, but not an immediate emergency. |
| Minor illness or medicine advice | Local pharmacy | Coughs, colds, sore throat, minor rash, medicine questions and pharmacy first advice. |
| Dental problem | Dentist or NHS 24 if out of hours | Dental pain, dental infection or broken tooth. |
| Eye problem | Optometrist or NHS 24 if urgent | Red eye, eye pain, sudden vision changes need prompt advice. |
| Mental health crisis | NHS 24 on 111, Breathing Space where appropriate, or 999 if immediate danger | Feeling unsafe, at risk of harm, or unable to cope. |
Official source check and reference notes
Official sources checked before writing: Hermitage Medical Practice homepage, opening hours, appointments, prescriptions, join-the-practice page, services page, practice forms, contact page, feedback and complaints page, data protection policy, meet-the-team page, access and transport information, NHS 24, NHS inform and Right Care Right Place guidance.
Official links: official Hermitage Medical Practice website · official contact page · official opening hours page · official appointments page · official prescriptions page · official registration page · official doctors and team page · official test results page · official services page · NHS 24 · NHS inform
Why this page is built this way: real users search appointments, open surgery, phone number, hours, repeat prescriptions, test results, sick notes, doctors, registration, NHS 24, parking and reviews. This guide answers those practical intents in one place while still sending users to official sources for final confirmation.