Braids Medical Practice: NHS GP appointments, hours, prescriptions, test results and Scotland patient help
Braids Medical Practice is an NHS Scotland GP practice at 6 Camus Avenue, Edinburgh, EH10 6QT. This practical guide explains how to book GP, telephone, nurse, ANP, pharmacist and physiotherapy appointments; when to call at 8am and when not to; repeat prescriptions; test results; registration; home visits; NHS Near Me video calls; NHS 24; Pharmacy First Scotland; minor injuries; record access; complaints; and what to do when the practice is closed.
Use this number for: GP appointments, urgent same-day requests, telephone appointments, nurse bookings, ANP bookings, prescription questions, test results, home visits, registration questions, NHS Near Me instructions, access needs, and complaints route questions.
The Braids Medical Practice
6 Camus Avenue
Edinburgh
EH10 6QT
Use the full Camus Avenue address for maps, taxis, appointment letters, carers and family members helping you travel.
Open directionsGoogle and Bing search-intent map for Braids Medical Practice
Patients searching for this surgery use different words depending on their problem. Important intent includes “Braids Medical Practice appointments”, “phone number”, “opening hours”, “repeat prescriptions”, “test results”, “register”, “doctors”, “ANP”, “nurse”, “pharmacist”, “physiotherapist”, “NHS Near Me”, “home visits”, “minor injuries”, “Pharmacy First Scotland”, “complaints”, “Camus Avenue”, “reviews” and “CQC rating”. This guide answers the real need behind each search rather than repeating keywords.
| Search phrase | What the user usually needs | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| Braids Medical Practice appointments | How to book GP, phone, face-to-face, nurse, ANP or other appointments. | Use appointments section |
| Repeat prescriptions | How to order medication safely, why phone requests are limited, and how long to allow. | Use prescriptions section |
| Test results | When to call, what comments mean, and why the practice may not contact you automatically. | Use results section |
| Register / join practice | Boundary, limited weekly registrations, Wednesday hand-in rule, forms and medicine supply planning. | Use registration section |
| ANP / minor ailments | Minor illness route for patients over 5 and not pregnant. | Use ANP section |
| Pharmacy First Scotland | When the community pharmacist is better than GP for minor illness or common clinical conditions. | Use pharmacy section |
| NHS Near Me | Video appointment use when the GP specifically asks you to use it. | Use video section |
| CQC rating | Users may expect a CQC rating, but this is a Scotland GP practice. | Use Scotland quality note |
Unique patient decision hub: choose the right Braids route in 60 seconds
This is the practical tool patients can reuse every time they need the surgery. Pick your situation, then follow the safest route before calling, booking or travelling to Camus Avenue.
I need emergency help
Call 999 for severe chest or abdominal pain, severe breathlessness, sudden loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding, head injury with loss of consciousness, severe injury after a fall or possible stroke.
I need urgent GP help today
Call the practice at 8am where possible and clearly say it is urgent. The reception team may ask questions so the duty doctor can arrange the right response.
I need a routine GP appointment
Book ahead, ideally with your usual GP. The practice strongly values continuity, and waiting a little longer for your usual doctor may be better for ongoing problems.
I have a minor illness
Ask whether the ANP or Pharmacy First Scotland is suitable. Sore throat, earache, cough, rash, cystitis and similar problems may not need a GP appointment.
I need medication
Order in writing or through the online repeat medication form. Allow at least 3 working days before collecting from the chemist.
I need test results
Wait at least 7 days unless told otherwise, then phone between 11am and 4pm. Results are not normally given outside those hours.
Braids Medical Practice opening hours and public holiday planning
The official opening-times page lists Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm. It also notes phlebotomy from 7:30am on weekdays. The practice is closed on weekends and public holidays. If you require urgent medical care while it is closed, call NHS 24 on 111.
| Access type | Listed access | Patient tip |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00am to 6:00pm | Call at 8am only if you need same-day help; routine calls may be easier later. |
| Tuesday | 8:00am to 6:00pm | ANP appointments may be available Tuesday to Friday. |
| Wednesday | 8:00am to 6:00pm | Registration forms are currently handed in on Wednesday morning at 8am. |
| Thursday | 8:00am to 6:00pm | Order medication early if you need it before the weekend. |
| Friday | 8:00am to 6:00pm | Do not leave prescriptions or urgent admin until late afternoon. |
| Saturday and Sunday | Closed | Use NHS 24 on 111 for urgent non-emergency care, or 999 for emergencies. |
| Phlebotomy | From 7:30am weekdays by appointment | Ring the doorbell if your appointment is before doors open at 8am. |
How to book appointments at Braids Medical Practice
All consultations with a doctor are by appointment only. GP appointments may be face-to-face or by telephone, but telephone appointments are normally used only when an examination is not needed. Same-day urgent matters can be booked on the day, while routine appointments can be booked in advance, up to six weeks ahead where available.
Emergency symptoms need 999. Urgent same-day GP issues should be made clear to reception. Routine issues can usually be booked ahead.
The practice recommends calling at 8am where possible if you need a same-day telephone or face-to-face appointment.
The practice asks patients to avoid 8am for routine future appointments because morning phone lines are busiest.
A trained team member will ask questions so the practice can offer the most suitable care, which may not always be a GP.
GP phone appointments are normally 10 minutes and face-to-face GP appointments are normally 15 minutes, usually for one issue.
For ongoing results, long-term conditions or complex medication, continuity may be safer and more efficient.
Hello, my name is [name]. My date of birth is [date of birth]. I am registered at Braids Medical Practice. I need help because [one clear sentence]. This is [urgent today / routine / medication / test result / home visit]. I would prefer [phone / face-to-face / usual GP if possible]. What is the safest next step?
Before you call: practical checklist for faster triage
A clear request helps the practice choose the safest appointment type. This is especially helpful for older patients, carers, parents, people taking several medicines, and anyone who gets nervous explaining symptoms by phone.
I have had [symptom] for [time]. It is [getting worse / not improving / affecting sleep / affecting daily life]. I have tried [medicine or self-care]. I take [regular medicines]. I am worried because [reason]. I would like advice on whether I need [GP / ANP / nurse / pharmacist / physiotherapist / test].
Why Braids Medical Practice highlights continuity with your usual GP
The practice strongly values continuity of care, meaning you see the same doctor for as many appointments as possible and have a doctor who takes overall responsibility for your care. For non-urgent, complex or repeated problems, waiting a few extra days to speak to the GP who knows your history may be better than starting again with someone new.
| Situation | Continuity helpful? | Practical approach |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing medication issue | Often yes | Ask for your usual GP or pharmacist if safe to wait. |
| New severe symptom | Speed matters more | Call for urgent same-day help or use 999/111 based on severity. |
| Long-term condition review | Yes | Book ahead with the GP/nurse who knows your care plan. |
| Routine test discussion | Often yes | Speak with the doctor who requested the tests where possible. |
Advanced Nurse Practitioner appointments for minor illness
Braids Medical Practice has an Advanced Nurse Practitioner service. The official page says the ANP can see and prescribe for common minor illness and ailments, provided the patient is over 5 years old and not pregnant. ANP appointments are generally available Tuesday to Friday and can be booked on the day or a day in advance.
Sore throat or earache
The ANP may be appropriate, and Pharmacy First may also be suitable depending on age and symptoms.
Possible urine infection
Call for GP/ANP advice rather than dropping off a urine sample without prior discussion.
Coughs and chest infections
ANP may help with common chest symptoms, but severe breathlessness needs urgent care.
Rashes, allergic reactions and skin problems
ANP or pharmacist may be right for minor issues. Serious allergic reaction needs 999.
Practice nurse, phlebotomy and CTAC services
Nurse appointments are by appointment only and are usually 15 minutes, though some procedures take longer. The practice nurse team supports long-term condition reviews, blood pressure checks, cervical smears, family planning and blood tests. CTAC services provide dressings, stitch/staple/clip removal, ear care, pre-audiology checks and vaccinations, and patients can self-refer by calling 0300 790 6296.
| Need | Likely route | Patient note |
|---|---|---|
| Blood test | Practice nurse or phlebotomist | Test must be discussed with GP/nurse in advance. Early phlebotomy starts from 7:30am. |
| Dressings or stitch removal | CTAC | Self-refer through 0300 790 6296. |
| Vaccinations | NHS Lothian vaccination service | Most vaccinations are delivered by NHS Lothian rather than the GP practice. |
| Long-term condition review | Practice nurse | Asthma, COPD, diabetes, blood pressure and similar reviews may be nurse-led. |
Physiotherapist and minor injury route
Braids Medical Practice says patients can book directly with the Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner and do not need to see the GP first. NHS Lothian also offers a Minor Injury Assessment service by video call for people over 12 with injuries less than 5 days old, accessed through NHS 24 on 111.
Muscle, joint or back issue
Ask about physiotherapy first. You may not need a GP appointment for many musculoskeletal problems.
Minor injury less than 5 days old
For strains, sprains, limb injuries, wounds, minor burns and some simple eye injuries, call NHS 24 on 111 for MIA guidance.
Eye complaints
The practice encourages patients with eye complaints to contact an optometrist because the practice has limited eye examination scope.
Mouth or dental pain
Dental pain and mouth problems are usually for a dentist, not a GP.
Braids Medical Practice repeat prescriptions
The official medication page asks patients to allow at least 3 working days before collecting medication from the chemist. Repeat prescriptions should be requested in writing, preferably using the online repeat medication form, or by using the tear-off reorder slip from your last repeat prescription and placing it in the prescription box at the front door.
Online repeat form
Preferred route. Include name, date of birth, phone, address, usual GP, pharmacy, medicine name, dose and preparation.
Repeat slip
Use the tear-off reorder form from your last repeat prescription and post it into the prescription box at the practice front door.
No routine phone requests
For safety and accuracy, the practice does not accept routine telephone repeat prescription requests except from elderly and housebound patients.
Medication review
Patients on repeat medication are usually reviewed annually in their birth month, often by telephone.
| Prescription issue | What it usually means | Practical next step |
|---|---|---|
| New patient needs medicine | The doctor may need to speak with you before prescriptions are issued. | Register with a 2–3 week supply from your previous practice and provide repeat slip details. |
| Request too early | The practice may decline early medication requests. | Order only what you need and allow 3 working days. |
| Pharmacy delivery problem | The practice can send to pharmacies that collect from the practice or provide a stamped addressed envelope. | Name your usual pharmacy clearly on the request. |
| Medication changed by hospital/private clinic | Some private recommendations may not be available as NHS treatments. | Provide the letter and ask the GP/pharmacist what can be prescribed safely. |
Practice pharmacist and NHS Pharmacy First Scotland
Braids Medical Practice has clinical pharmacists who work with the GP team on medication reviews, side effects, hospital medicine changes, prescription queries, prescription authorisation, blood test request authorisation and long-term condition support. Community pharmacists can also help with minor health concerns through NHS Pharmacy First Scotland.
| Need | Best route | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Lots of medicines | Practice pharmacist medication review | Useful for side effects, interactions and safer long-term prescribing. |
| Minor illness | Community pharmacist | You usually do not need an appointment and can go to any pharmacy. |
| Cystitis, cough, sore throat, cold sore or skin problem | Pharmacy First Scotland where suitable | Pharmacist can advise and treat eligible conditions or refer you if needed. |
| Hospital medicine change | Practice pharmacist or GP | Helps reconcile hospital changes with your GP record and repeat list. |
NHS Near Me video appointments
Braids Medical Practice provides NHS Near Me video appointments when appropriate. You should only use this service if the GP has specifically asked you to have a video appointment. NHS Near Me runs through Attend Anywhere and lets patients speak to a clinician from home using a computer, smartphone or tablet.
Test results: when to call and what to ask
The official results page says after a GP or nurse arranges a test or takes blood, there is usually a short delay before results arrive. The requesting GP reviews and comments on the results. The practice says it is your responsibility to contact the practice for results, and recommends waiting at least seven days after the test before calling unless you have been told otherwise.
Some tests take longer, so be patient if the result is not back when you call.
The practice says it cannot give results outside these times.
The receptionist can pass on the doctor’s comment on the result.
This is especially helpful for complex or ongoing problems.
If symptoms get worse, call the practice, NHS 24 or 999 depending on severity.
Urine symptoms and sample rules
The practice says it no longer accepts urine samples for testing without a prior discussion with a GP. This is for patient safety because a proper diagnosis needs a clear understanding of symptoms. If you think you have a urine infection or urinary symptoms, request a GP telephone appointment or nurse practitioner appointment.
Home visits: when to request one
If your medical condition means you cannot attend the practice, you may need a home visit. The official GP page asks patients to telephone before 10:00am where possible. Reception will ask for information so the doctor can judge urgency.
| Situation | Likely route | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Housebound and unwell | Call before 10am where possible | Reception will ask questions for GP triage. |
| Can attend with help | Usually attend surgery | Most assessment is better at the practice where equipment is available. |
| Emergency symptoms | Call 999 | Do not wait for a GP home visit. |
| Minor illness | Pharmacy/ANP/GP phone may be better | The practice may guide you to a safer or faster route. |
Register with Braids Medical Practice
The official registration page says patients must live within the practice boundary area. The practice is currently accepting only a limited number of new patients each week, and only patients who have moved into the practice area and do not already have a local GP are eligible. Registration forms must be handed in person on a Wednesday morning at 8am; the practice says it will not accept forms by email, post or through the letterbox.
Use the NHS Lothian tool and practice boundary map before completing forms.
The practice may reach its weekly maximum and ask you to return the following week.
Registration form, new patient questionnaire, and data protection form are required.
Photo ID, proof of address, and visa if non-British citizen are requested by the practice.
If you take regular medicine, ensure a 2–3 week supply from your current practice and attach repeat medication details.
The practice asks patients to allow 48 hours if possible for registration to be completed.
Access to medical records, consent and proxy help
The official record-access page explains that you have the right to see or receive a copy of your health records. You can ask for all or part of your record, and you may need to provide proof of identity. If someone else is asking for your records, consent or legal authority may be needed.
Your own records
You can ask to see or receive a copy of your records. You do not need to ask for everything if only part is needed.
Identity checks
Proof of identity may be requested before records are released.
Someone else’s records
Consent, parental responsibility, power of attorney or guardianship may be needed depending on the situation.
Understanding medical words
NHS staff should explain words or abbreviations you do not understand where possible.
Complaints, feedback and raising concerns safely
The official complaints page says patients can speak or write to the Practice Manager. Complaints are normally addressed when made by the person concerned, unless the patient is a minor or written permission is given. Written complaints are acknowledged within two working days, with an explanation usually provided within two weeks and efforts to resolve written complaints within four weeks.
Do not use a complaint route for severe symptoms. Use GP, NHS 24 or 999 based on urgency.
Include dates, times, what happened, who was involved if known, and what outcome you want.
Verbal complaints may be handled by the practice manager or deputy first.
Written permission may be needed unless the patient is a minor or lacks capacity.
Scotland quality note: why there is no CQC rating here
Some users search “Braids Medical Practice CQC rating” because many UK GP guides use CQC ratings. CQC regulates health and social care in England, not NHS Scotland GP practices in the same way. For this Edinburgh GP practice, the best sources for live information are the official practice website, NHS 24 service directory, NHS Inform, NHS Lothian and relevant Scottish complaint/inspection routes.
Braids Medical Practice map, directions and Camus Avenue address
Address: The Braids Medical Practice, 6 Camus Avenue, Edinburgh, EH10 6QT. Use the map for planning only. Confirm appointment time, opening hours and access needs before leaving home.
Before travelling
Check your appointment time, clinician type, whether it is phone/video/face-to-face, and whether you need to bring medication, forms, samples or letters.
Early phlebotomy
If your blood test appointment is before 8am, the official nurse page says to ring the doorbell because doors open at 8am.
If someone else is driving
Send the full address and postcode: 6 Camus Avenue, Edinburgh, EH10 6QT.
If you are late
Call reception. Some time-limited GP, nurse, phlebotomy or procedure appointments may not be able to run late safely.
What to do when Braids Medical Practice is closed
When the practice is closed, the official out-of-hours page says to telephone NHS 24 on 111 for urgent medical advice and care. For non-urgent routine issues, contact the practice when it reopens. The opening-times page also points patients to pharmacists, NHS Inform, the Western General Minor Injuries Unit and NHS 24 depending on the problem.
| Problem | Use this service | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | Call 999 | Severe chest pain, severe breathlessness, collapse, heavy bleeding, stroke signs, serious injury. |
| Urgent but not life-threatening when GP closed | NHS 24 on 111 | You need urgent medical advice or care and cannot wait for the practice to reopen. |
| Minor illness or medicine advice | Local pharmacy / Pharmacy First Scotland | Coughs, colds, sore throat, cold sores, UTI symptoms where suitable, minor skin issues, medicine advice. |
| Minor injury | NHS 24 / MIA / Western General Minor Injuries Unit | Sprains, suspected simple limb fracture, wounds, minor burns or minor bumps where appropriate. |
| Eye problem | Optometrist | Urgent eye symptoms are usually assessed by an optometrist first in Scotland. |
| Routine request | Practice when open | Routine forms, repeat discussions, non-urgent results, medication reviews. |
Official source check and reference notes
Official sources checked before writing: NHS 24 service directory, Braids Medical Practice official website, opening-times page, GP appointments page, Advanced Nurse Practitioner page, nurse page, pharmacist page, physiotherapist page, repeat medication page, test-results page, registration page, NHS Near Me page, record-access page, complaints page, NHS Inform, NHS Lothian and Healthcare Improvement Scotland general inspection information.
Official links: NHS 24 Braids listing · Official practice website · Opening times · Seeing a GP · ANP · Nurse appointments · Pharmacist · Physiotherapist · Repeat medication · Test results · Registration · NHS Near Me · Out of hours · Complaints · NHS Inform · Pharmacy First Scotland
Why this page is built this way: real users search appointments, phone number, opening times, repeat prescriptions, test results, registration, ANP, nurse, pharmacist, physiotherapist, NHS Near Me, Pharmacy First Scotland, minor injuries, complaints and CQC rating. This guide answers those intents in practical sections while still linking to official sources for final confirmation.