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.

Social Care in Edinburgh

Contact Edinburgh City Council for advice, help and information on all aspects of Social care and support.
0131 200 2324

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 10170

Edinburgh Community Treatment and Care Services (CTACS)

Patients can self-refer to Edinburgh CTACS by calling the CTACS patient-focused booking line.You can self-refer for: Doppler (ABPI) testing automated & manual(Clinician referral only) Ear irrigation following preparation Removal of sutures/clips. Wound care all types (except wounds caused by injury who should be seen at the minor injuries assessment service in the first instance.
0131 537 7205

Edinburgh Health & Social Care Partnership: Physiotherapy

You may refer yourself using the appropriate forms for the following problems: MSK, Bladder problems, and Walking Aids.

Lothian Improving the Cancer Journey – Edinburgh

Improving the Cancer Journey offers everyone affected by cancer (including families and carers) time with a Link Worker to think about ‘what matters to them’ and help to access the support they need. We can help you think about support that might be useful for you whether this is with money, housing, work, caring responsibilities, physical or emotional concerns. Anyone referred will be contacted within 3 working days with an appointment offered within 5-10 working days.
Sandra and Kelly on 07977 307 286 / 07929 784 315

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).Patients can self refer for a clinic visit by filling out a podiatry self referral form. Requests will not be accepted for routine nail cutting, fungal nails (including taking clippings) skin care (including corns and callous).

Mental Health Information Station

The Information Station is a one stop shop acting as a source of support, information and sign posting. Lead by NHS Occupational Therapists, input is drawn from health and social care staff, peer support workers, volunteers and key third sector partners. The Information Station offers: Faster self-service access to individuals; Psychological self-help guides and resources; Support groups sign posting; Provide standardised information on conditions and medication, No appointment required.
0131 537 8688

iThrive

iThrive Edinburgh is your online space for mental health and wellbeing information in Edinburgh.

The Living Warriors Project

The Living Warriors Project is an Edinburgh based peer support group for survivors of attempted suicide. Founded and run by people with lived experience. They meet once a month on a Thursday from 7-8.30pm in Edinburgh City Centre."Sessions can include open discussion, self reflective topics and meaningful creative activities. We have an ethos of radical acceptance and openness. It is a safe space where people's individual journeys are understood and respected"

Chemotherapy

Patients receiving treatment for cancer can now benefit from a national 24 hour cancer treatment helpline.The 24-hour national cancer treatment helpline which will provide a triage assessment to patients who are receiving or have received specific cancer treatment when they feel unwell.
0800 917 7711

The Mental Health Assessment Service

The Mental Health Assessment Service run from the Royal Edinburgh Hospital for acute mental health problems - Patients asking to be seen should telephone rather than drop in.
0131 537 6000

Minor Injuries

MIA is available to patients with injuries that are less than 7 days old. Injuries it can advise on include: strains, sprains and suspected broken bones to limbs only (not back, chest or abdomen) wounds and minor burns (not to face, groin or hands) minor bumps to head and face (with no vomiting or loss of consciousness) simple eye injuries insect bites and stings with localised swelling and no evidence of allergic reaction.

Lothian Work Support Services

Working Health Services is a nation-wide job retention service. In NHS Lothian, the service works with people with a wide range of physical and mental health conditions. You can refer yourself by calling us.
0131 537 9579

Advice Shop (City of Edinburgh Council)

The Advice Shop is a professional information, advice and advocacy service providing assistance to anyone living in Edinburgh. This service can help you access so that they all the state benefits you are entitled to and to address any difficulties with debt.
0131 200 2360

Living life to the full

Free online courses covering low mood, stress and resilience. Work out why you feel as you do, how to tackle problems, build confidence, get going again, feel happier, stay calm, tackle upsetting thinking and more. Our courses are free for individuals using them in their own lives.

Solihull Online Courses for parents/carers

The Scottish Government has negotiated access to Solihull Online. These are courses which help nurture a a caring and supportive relationship by carers and help understanding of the stages of a child's development from pregnancy through to 19 years through interactive activities. Courses available are; Understanding pregnancy, labour, birth and your baby, understanding your baby, understanding your child. understanding your teenager's brain. To access these for for FREE use the code TARTAN.

Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Act 2021

This new Act establishes a legal framework for consistent access to “self-referral” where a victim (over 16 years of age) can access healthcare and request a Forensic Medical Examination (FME) without first having to make a report to the police. In addition, and as part of a person centred approach, individuals will be able to request the sex of their examiner involved in their care.
0800 148 88 88

Sleepio

Self-referral web-based support for sleep problems.

SilverCloud – Self Referral

SilverCloud – interactive computer programme accessible without a referral for these packages: · Managing Stress · Managing Sleep · Developing Resilience · Managing During Covid-19 You will be asked to set up an account by creating a username and password. You will also be asked to enter a pin which is Scotland2020.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) Services

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 – Open up when you are feeling down

Breathing Space is Scotland's mental health phone and Webchat service responding to people who are experiencing distress in their lives. It is an integral part of NHS 24's suite of mental health support services.
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.