Emergency first: This is an independent patient guide, not NHS Scotland, NHS 24, NHS Ayrshire & Arran or Holmhead Medical Practice. Call 999 now for chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, severe bleeding, severe burns, seizure not stopping, severe allergic reaction, overdose, acute confusion, serious injury, or someone not responding. For urgent help that is not life-threatening when the surgery is closed, call NHS 24 on 111.
Kilmarnock NHS Scotland GP guide
Holmhead Medical Practice: appointments, Portland Road hours, prescriptions, test results and NHS 24
Holmhead Medical Practice is based at Portland Road Surgery in Kilmarnock. Use this page to phone the right number, understand triage before 11am, avoid the routine-call cut-off after 3:30pm, order prescriptions correctly, check test-result timing, request fit notes, prepare registration details, and know when to use NHS 24 or NHS ADOC.
Need help today?
Call before 11amUrgent on-the-day triage uses basic details to choose the right clinician.
✓Right route chosen
Main reception phone
Use this number for: urgent triage before 11am, routine appointments, home visit requests before 10am where possible, nurse appointments, prescription/pharmacy nomination questions, test-result calls, NHS Near Me connection problems, registration questions and access needs.
Official address
Holmhead Medical Practice
Portland Road Surgery
31 Portland Road
Kilmarnock
KA1 2DJ
Use “Portland Road Surgery, 31 Portland Road, Kilmarnock KA1 2DJ” in maps, taxis and carer messages.
Open directionsPhone
01563 522118
Address
31 Portland Road, KA1 2DJ
Triage
Call before 11am
Out of hours
NHS 24 on 111
Fast answer: Holmhead Medical Practice is at Portland Road Surgery, 31 Portland Road, Kilmarnock, KA1 2DJ. Reception phone is 01563 522118. The surgery opens Monday to Friday with a lunch closure from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. Telephone lines are listed as 8:30am–12:30pm and 2:00pm–5:30pm, but routine calls close at 3:30pm; after 3:30pm the practice deals only with urgent medical problems that cannot reasonably wait until the next working day.
Need this? Do this first
This is the practical route table for common patient searches.
| Need | Best first action | Clickable route |
|---|---|---|
| Urgent on-the-day GP help | Phone the practice before 11am if possible. Reception will ask basic details for the clinician and to book the correct person. | Call 01563 522118 |
| Routine appointment | The next block of pre-bookable appointments opens every Tuesday. Ask for preferred clinician if relevant. | Appointment steps |
| Nurse appointment | Practice Nurse appointments are available daily 08:00–16:30 by calling the surgery. | Call nurse booking |
| Home visit | Call before 10am where possible and explain why the patient is genuinely unable to attend. | Request home visit |
| Repeat prescription | Use online request, paper repeat list, written request or post. Do not order by phone. Allow 7 working days before pharmacy. | Prescription page |
| Test results | Phone Tuesday–Friday between 14:00 and 15:30 only after waiting 7 days for blood/urine or 14 days for x-ray. | Result rules |
| Fit note | Self-certify first 7 days. Fit notes cannot be forward dated; request renewal on the day needed. | Fit note guide |
| Surgery closed | For urgent non-emergency help, call NHS 24 / NHS ADOC on 111. For emergencies, call 999. | Call 111 |
Decision hub: GP, pharmacist, mental health practitioner, Eyecare Ayrshire, NHS 24 or 999?
Use the correct route before waiting in the phone queue or travelling to Portland Road.
Call 999 now
Chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, severe bleeding, seizure not stopping, overdose, severe allergic reaction, serious injury, acute confusion or someone not responding.
Urgent GP triage
Call 01563 522118 before 11am where possible. Reception will ask what the appointment is about so the clinician can triage safely.
Routine appointment
Pre-bookable appointment blocks open every Tuesday. If a particular doctor, male/female clinician or nurse is preferred, say this when arranging the appointment.
Pharmacy First
Use pharmacy for many minor illnesses and medicine advice. The practice specifically names Pharmacy First as an alternative route.
Eye problem
The practice names Eyecare Ayrshire as an alternative for eye problems. This may be quicker and more appropriate than a GP appointment.
Closed or urgent unsure
Call NHS 24 / NHS ADOC on 111. NHS ADOC can arrange telephone advice, emergency GP consultation at Crosshouse Hospital consulting rooms, or GP emergency home visit where appropriate.
Opening hours, phone hours and closure traps
| Item | Listed detail | Patient action |
|---|---|---|
| Normal surgery opening | Monday–Friday 8am–12:30pm and 1:30pm–5:30pm. | Do routine tasks before the afternoon cut-off. |
| Lunch closure | Closed between 12:30pm and 1:30pm. | Avoid visiting or phoning for routine matters at lunch. |
| Phone lines | 8:30am–12:30pm and 2pm–5:30pm. | Call from 8:30am for urgent triage, not 8am. |
| Urgent triage appointment calls | Available to book on the day by contacting the practice before 11am. | Call early and give basic details. |
| Routine calls after 3:30pm | Routine telephone lines close at 3:30pm. | After 3:30pm, phone only for urgent medical problems that cannot wait. |
| Weekends | Closed. | Use NHS 24 on 111 for urgent non-emergency help. |
| Staff training closures 2026 | Closed from 12:30pm on Wednesday 18 February, Thursday 25 June, Tuesday 25 August and Wednesday 18 November. | Do not plan routine calls/prescriptions/results for those afternoons. |
| Public holidays 2026 | 3 Apr, 6 Apr, 4 May, 25 May, 18 Sep, 21 Sep, 25 Dec, 28 Dec. | Order prescriptions early around holidays. |
Phone queue tip: if you hear the recorded message, you are in the queue. If you hear an engaged tone, the official site says more than 20 people may already be waiting, so try again later.
Appointments: micro step-by-step
1
Check emergency symptoms first.
Use 999 for life-threatening symptoms. Use 111 when closed and urgent but not life-threatening.
Use 999 for life-threatening symptoms. Use 111 when closed and urgent but not life-threatening.
2
Call before 11am for urgent same-day triage.
Reception will ask basic details. This helps the clinician decide who should see you and how urgent it is.
Reception will ask basic details. This helps the clinician decide who should see you and how urgent it is.
3
For routine appointments, ask from Tuesday.
The official appointment page says the diary for the next block of pre-bookable appointments opens every Tuesday.
The official appointment page says the diary for the next block of pre-bookable appointments opens every Tuesday.
4
Say if clinician preference matters.
The practice says female doctors and nurses, and male doctors, are available each day for consultation. State a preference when arranging the appointment.
The practice says female doctors and nurses, and male doctors, are available each day for consultation. State a preference when arranging the appointment.
5
Let reception route you correctly.
The practice has onsite pharmacist and mental health practitioner support, plus alternatives such as Pharmacy First and Eyecare Ayrshire.
The practice has onsite pharmacist and mental health practitioner support, plus alternatives such as Pharmacy First and Eyecare Ayrshire.
6
Cancel early if you cannot attend.
Missed appointment letters may be sent, and persistent defaulters may be removed from the practice list.
Missed appointment letters may be sent, and persistent defaulters may be removed from the practice list.
Appointment call script
Hello, my name is [name]. Date of birth: [date]. I am registered with Holmhead Medical Practice. I need help with [one clear issue]. It started [when]. It is [getting worse/not improving]. I have tried [self-care/medicine]. Is this best for GP triage, pharmacist, nurse, mental health practitioner, Eyecare Ayrshire, Pharmacy First, NHS 24 or 999?
NHS Near Me video appointments: only after a booked appointment
Holmhead Medical Practice offers NHS Near Me video appointments through Attend Anywhere. This is not a walk-in video service. You must already have a booked video appointment with the practice.
| NHS Near Me task | What to do | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Before the appointment | Use a device with camera, microphone and internet. | Google Chrome or Safari is required. |
| When to enter | Enter the waiting room not more than 5 minutes before your appointment. | The clinician will join when available. |
| If you cannot connect | Call the practice on 01563 522118. | Do not keep waiting silently if the connection fails. |
| Not booked yet? | Phone the practice first to arrange the correct appointment route. | NHS Near Me needs a pre-booked video consultation. |
Repeat prescriptions: online, paper, pharmacy nomination and 7 working days
| Prescription question | Clear answer | Action link |
|---|---|---|
| Can I order by phone? | No. The practice says prescription requests can no longer be taken by telephone. | Use listed routes |
| Online route | Use the official online prescription request link for medication previously prescribed by a GP. | Order online |
| Paper repeat list | Tick the right-hand repeat medication list and hand it in or post it to the surgery. | Find surgery |
| Medicine not on repeat side | Use handwritten request or online request. | Read Rx page |
| Too early? | The practice says it will not issue requests placed more than 14 days in advance. | Read FAQ |
| Processing time | Allow 7 working days before attending the pharmacy. | Check holidays |
| Which pharmacy? | Prescription goes to the pharmacy you are coded for. To change it, contact reception or sign a new agreement with the pharmacy. | Call reception |
| Do not chase too early | The practice asks patients not to call to check if a prescription has been processed. | Plan 7 days |
Medicine safety tip: around bank holidays, training afternoons and weekends, order early enough for the 7-working-day rule. Do not wait until the last dose.
Test results: exact call window and waiting times
| Result question | Practice guidance | Patient action |
|---|---|---|
| Blood or urine test | Wait 7 days before phoning. | Call only after the 7-day window unless asked sooner. |
| X-ray result | Wait 14 days before phoning. | Ask who ordered the x-ray and who will explain it. |
| Call window | Tuesday to Friday, 14:00–15:30. | Call 01563 522118 |
| Monday results | Results are not available on a Monday. | Plan Tuesday–Friday result calls. |
| Further appointment already booked | If doctor/nurse asks you to make another appointment, results may be discussed there. | Attend the review appointment. |
| Result needs action | The practice says you will be contacted by telephone or letter if action is required. | Keep contact details updated. |
| Cervical smear | Results are sent directly from NHS Screening Department to patient’s home address. | Make sure your address is current. |
Simple question to ask at the test: “Who ordered this test, when should I expect the result, and should I call Holmhead or wait for a letter?”
Fit notes and self-certification: avoid urgent appointment misuse
| Situation | Rule | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Off sick 7 days or less | Employer should not ask for a doctor’s certificate; use self-certification. | Use employer form or SC2. |
| Counting days | Include days you do not normally work, including weekends and bank holidays. | Use calendar days, not working days only. |
| More than 7 days | Employer may ask for a fit note / medical certificate. | Request through the practice route. |
| Renewal date | Fit notes cannot be forward dated. | Request renewal on the day it needs renewed. |
| Early request | Early fit-note requests will not be processed. | Do not submit too soon. |
| Already seen by GP or hospital letter received | You may not need to see the GP again; request form may be reviewed. | Give dates, reason and previous consultation/hospital details. |
| No GP/hospital evidence | Practice says you will not be able to get a certificate without telephoning first. | Call practice |
| Hospital care | Hospital may issue the certificate instead of GP. | Ask the hospital team before leaving clinic/ward. |
Home visits: call before 10am where possible
| Home visit point | Official meaning | What to say |
|---|---|---|
| Request time | Phone between 8:30am and 10:00am if you need a same-day house visit. | Call early. |
| Who decides? | Requests are passed to the visiting GP for the day to assess urgency and who should visit. | Give clear symptoms and risk details. |
| Who is it for? | Patients genuinely unable, because of sickness or injury, to come to the surgery. | Explain why travel is not possible. |
| Children and babies | The practice says children/babies can usually be safely brought to emergency surgeries or assessed faster after phone discussion. | Phone and describe child symptoms clearly. |
| Why triage matters | Home visits are time-consuming; 3 or 4 patients can be seen in surgery in the time taken for one house call. | Use surgery if safely able to attend. |
Register with Holmhead Medical Practice
1
Contact the surgery first.
Ask whether you are in the practice area and what registration form route is currently used.
Ask whether you are in the practice area and what registration form route is currently used.
2
Complete registration and medical questionnaire.
The practice asks for a registration form so it can request records, and a medical questionnaire because records may take a few weeks.
The practice asks for a registration form so it can request records, and a medical questionnaire because records may take a few weeks.
3
Bring identification where possible.
The official page says ID is asked for where possible.
The official page says ID is asked for where possible.
4
If you take regular medicines, prepare supply.
The practice says it may prefer not to prescribe until records have been received, so keep adequate medication from your previous surgery.
The practice says it may prefer not to prescribe until records have been received, so keep adequate medication from your previous surgery.
5
Children under 6 need accurate immunisation details.
The practice stresses accurate childhood immunisation information because recall reminders are used.
The practice stresses accurate childhood immunisation information because recall reminders are used.
6
Temporary stay in Kilmarnock?
Emergency treatment can be available for 14 days. Temporary registration can last up to 3 months if accepted by the practice.
Emergency treatment can be available for 14 days. Temporary registration can last up to 3 months if accepted by the practice.
New patient medicine warning: if you use repeat medication, do not switch GP without enough supply and a written/photo list of your medicines. Records can take weeks.
Services and “who should I ask for?” shortcuts
| Need | Possible route | Why it may be better |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine issue | Practice pharmacist or community pharmacist. | Pharmacist may be more appropriate than waiting for GP for medicine advice. |
| Mental health support | Practice mental health practitioner, GP or crisis route depending on urgency. | Reception can route based on details. |
| Minor illness | Pharmacy First / pharmacy advice. | The practice lists Pharmacy First as an alternative to GP appointment. |
| Eye problem | Eyecare Ayrshire. | Named by practice as an alternative route for eye concerns. |
| Minor injury | Minor Injuries Unit / A&E depending on severity. | Use 999/A&E for serious injury; minor injury services for appropriate injuries. |
| Nursing appointment | Practice nurse appointment. | Available daily 08:00–16:30 by calling the surgery. |
| Maternity booking | Ayrshire Maternity Unit. | Official clinic summary lists maternity booking contact via Ayrshire Maternity Unit. |
| Warfarin monitoring | Practice-based anti-coagulant monitoring if eligible. | May avoid hospital outpatient attendance for some patients. |
Reception is not just blocking access: the official page says reception asks basic details so the practice can book the correct clinician. Give enough detail to help safe routing.
Doctors, nurses and community contacts
| Team | Official detail | Patient use |
|---|---|---|
| Doctors listed | Dr Sohail Sardar, Dr W A Frew, Dr Danny Tham, Dr Sarah Reid, Dr Lyn Welsh, Dr Hannah Boyd, Dr Niamh Carey, Dr Mohammed Murtaza. | Ask when booking if a named clinician preference matters, but accept the right available clinician when urgent. |
| Practice nurse | Practice Nurse appointments are available daily 08:00–16:30 by calling 01563 522118. Gemma Cooper is listed. | Use nurse route for nursing tasks rather than GP appointment. |
| Practice management | Isobel Turner is listed as Practice Manager; Rachael McHutchison as Team Leader. | Relevant for admin/service issues, not urgent medical care. |
| Community midwives | Phone 01563 578595. | Use for midwife contact where appropriate. |
| Community nurses | Phone 01563 826521. | Use for district/community nursing contact. |
| Health visitors | Phone 01563 825911. | Use for health visitor support. |
Scotland-specific note: NHS 24, NHS ADOC and no CQC rating
Holmhead Medical Practice is in Kilmarnock, Scotland. Do not confuse this article with England GP pages that mention NHS App booking, NHS 111 online or CQC ratings.
| Topic | Correct Scotland wording | Patient action |
|---|---|---|
| Out of hours | NHS 24 / NHS ADOC on 111. | Call 111 when urgent and the surgery is closed. |
| Emergency GP out of hours | NHS ADOC offers telephone contact, emergency GP consultation at Crosshouse Hospital consulting rooms, and emergency home visit where appropriate. | Start with 111. |
| Video appointment | NHS Near Me / Attend Anywhere, only when pre-booked. | Enter waiting room no more than 5 minutes before booked time. |
| Regulation/rating | CQC is England’s care regulator and does not rate Scottish GP practices in the same way. | Do not add a fake CQC rating for this page. |
| Health information | NHS inform and NHS 24 are key Scotland public health resources. | Use official Scotland links for patient advice. |
Scam call warning: verify before sharing personal details
The official homepage warns patients about scam calls claiming to be from GP practices and asking patients to update personal details online.
Stop
Do not share personal details
GP practices will not normally pressure you through automated scam-style calls asking for sensitive information.
Call
Verify using official number
If unsure, contact Holmhead Medical Practice directly on 01563 522118.
101
Report suspicious activity
The official alert says similar scam calls can be reported to Police Scotland by calling 101.
Info
Keep details updated safely
Use official practice routes to update your phone, address and email details.
Map, directions and Portland Road visit checklist
Address: Holmhead Medical Practice, Portland Road Surgery, 31 Portland Road, Kilmarnock, KA1 2DJ. Use this map for travel planning only; confirm your appointment time and route before leaving.
Before travelling
Check appointment time, clinician type, whether it is face-to-face/video/telephone, and whether you need a sample, form, medicine list or ID.
If someone else is driving
Send: Portland Road Surgery, 31 Portland Road, Kilmarnock, KA1 2DJ. Phone: 01563 522118.
Prescription visit
Most patients should use nominated pharmacy collection. Do not attend too early; allow 7 working days.
Result call
Do not call Monday for results. Call Tuesday–Friday 14:00–15:30 after the stated waiting period.
When Holmhead Medical Practice is closed
| Problem | Use this | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | Call 999 | Chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, severe bleeding, not responding. |
| Urgent but not life-threatening | Call NHS 24 / NHS ADOC on 111 | Problem cannot wait until surgery opens, but is not a 999 emergency. |
| Out-of-hours GP emergency consultation | NHS ADOC through 111 | Service may arrange consultation at Crosshouse Hospital consulting rooms or emergency home visit if appropriate. |
| Medicine question | Community pharmacy or NHS 24 depending on urgency | Side effects, missed doses, emergency supply questions. |
| Routine GP/admin | Wait for practice opening | Prescription requests, fit notes, routine appointment booking, results, letters and registration. |
Official action links used
Use these after reading the task steps above. Each link is placed near the task it supports.
Official Holmhead Medical Practice website · Contact page · Opening hours · Appointment information · NHS Near Me · Prescription request · Order prescription online · Test results · Fit notes · New patients · Our staff · NHS 24 practice listing
Holmhead Medical Practice FAQs
What is Holmhead Medical Practice phone number?
The reception phone number is 01563 522118. Use it for appointments, urgent triage, home visits, nurse appointments, prescriptions/pharmacy nomination questions, test-result calls, registration and NHS Near Me connection problems.
Where is Holmhead Medical Practice?
Holmhead Medical Practice is at Portland Road Surgery, 31 Portland Road, Kilmarnock, KA1 2DJ.
What are Holmhead Medical Practice opening hours?
The practice is listed as open Monday to Friday 8am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 5:30pm, with Saturday and Sunday closed. Phone lines are listed as 8:30am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 5:30pm.
When do routine phone lines close?
The official site says routine telephone lines close at 3:30pm. After 3:30pm the practice deals only with urgent medical problems that cannot reasonably wait until the next working day.
How do I book an urgent same-day appointment?
Phone 01563 522118 before 11am where possible. Reception will ask basic details so the clinician can assess urgency and book the correct clinician.
How do routine appointments work?
The official appointment page says the next block of pre-bookable appointments opens every Tuesday. You may be able to pre-book a routine appointment with your preferred clinician.
Can I choose a male or female clinician?
The practice says female doctors and nurses, and male doctors, are available each day. State your preference when arranging the appointment.
Does Holmhead Medical Practice offer NHS Near Me?
Yes. The practice offers NHS Near Me video appointments through Attend Anywhere, but you must already have a booked video appointment. Enter the waiting room not more than 5 minutes before the appointment.
How do I request a home visit?
Phone 01563 522118 or call at reception. If possible, phone between 8:30am and 10:00am for a same-day house visit. Home visits are for patients genuinely unable to attend because of sickness or injury.
Can I order repeat prescriptions by phone?
No. The official prescription page says prescription requests can no longer be taken by telephone. Use the online request, repeat prescription list, written request, or post the request to the surgery.
How long do prescriptions take?
The official prescription page says to allow 7 working days before attending the pharmacy. It also says requests placed more than 14 days in advance will not be issued.
How do I change my nominated pharmacy?
The practice says prescriptions go to the pharmacy you are coded for. To change this, contact the practice reception team or contact the pharmacy and sign a new agreement with your chosen pharmacy.
When should I call for test results?
Call 01563 522118 between 14:00 and 15:30 Tuesday to Friday if you have been asked to phone or are anxious about a result. Results are not available on a Monday.
How long should I wait for blood, urine or x-ray results?
The practice says to wait 7 days before phoning for blood or urine test results, and 14 days for x-ray results.
How do fit notes work?
For sickness of 7 days or less, use self-certification. For more than 7 days, a fit note may be needed. Fit notes cannot be forward dated, so request renewal on the day it is needed; early requests will not be processed.
How do I register as a new patient?
Contact the surgery and complete the registration form and medical questionnaire. The practice asks for identification where possible and asks patients on medication to keep an adequate supply from their previous surgery because records may take a few weeks.
Can temporary residents be seen?
The official new-patient page says emergency treatment can be provided for 14 days if you are away from home or not registered with a doctor. Temporary registration can last up to 3 months if accepted by the practice.
What should I do when Holmhead Medical Practice is closed?
For urgent non-emergency help, call NHS 24 / NHS ADOC on 111. NHS ADOC can arrange telephone advice, emergency GP consultation at Crosshouse Hospital consulting rooms, or emergency home visit where appropriate. Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies.
Does Holmhead Medical Practice have a CQC rating?
No CQC rating should be added for this Scotland page. CQC regulates England services. Holmhead Medical Practice is in Kilmarnock, Scotland, so use NHS Scotland, NHS 24 and NHS inform wording instead.
Independent directory disclaimer: medicalpracticeuk.org is not NHS Scotland, not NHS 24, not NHS Ayrshire & Arran and not Holmhead Medical Practice. This guide is for general patient information only. Phone numbers, opening hours, triage rules, prescription processing, test result timing, fit-note rules, registration process, staff details, training closures, public holidays and services can change. Always confirm important details with the official practice website, NHS 24, NHS inform, NHS Ayrshire & Arran or the surgery before relying on them.
Holmhead Medical Practice
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