Armadale
18 North Street, ArmadaleEH48 3QB
Tel: 01501 730432
Blackridge
Blackridge Health CentreFleming Place, Blackridge, EH48 3SS
Tel: 01501 751238
Practice News...
Spring COVID Boosters
Clinics will take place on:
Blackridge Health Centre
Monday 25th May 09:00 – 12:30 and 13:00 - 15:30
Barbauchlaw Medical Practice
Wednesday 27th May 09:00 – 12:30 and 13:00 - 15:30
Eligible patients are those over 75 years of age, or those invited by letter. Please bring your letter to the clinic if you are under 75 years of age.
This is a walk-in clinic – no need to call or book ahead.
Important Notice – eConsult Temporary Closure
Please note that eConsult will be switched off from Friday 1st May 2026 until Tuesday 5th May 2026 due to the Bank Holiday period.
During this time, the practice will be offering same-day telephone and face-to-face appointments only.
When you contact the practice, our reception team, who are fully trained in care navigation by the GP Partners, will ask you a few questions. This allows us to ensure you are directed to the most appropriate healthcare professional for your needs.
Our receptionists:
- Follow the same confidentiality rules as clinicians
- Are not being nosy or trying to diagnose
- Ask questions on GP instruction to allow safe and timely triage of urgent problems
They may also signpost you to other appropriate services when suitable, including:
Pharmacy - For many minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, sore throats, certain urinary infections, skin conditions, insect bites, eye infections (over 2 years old), aches and pains.
Dentist - For dental or mouth problems.
Optician - For all eye concerns including red, dry, watery or itchy eyes or visual disturbance.
Addictions Service - Support for alcohol and drug addiction: 01506 282845
Mental Health Support
If you are at immediate risk, please call 999 or attend A&E.
ACAST provides 24/7 same-day mental health assessments at St John’s Hospital.
Breathing Space – Emotional support in Scotland (16+): 0800 83 85 87
NHS 24 - Call 111
If you need urgent medical advice when the practice is closed or your condition worsens.
Thank you for your understanding—this helps us ensure a safe and efficient service for all patients.
Protected Time to Learn Session
THURSDAY, 14th May 2026 – AFTERNOON
Staff Training 1pm – 6pm
Please note that the practice will be closed from 1pm.
Protected Learning Time is an opportunity for the GP practice team including clinical, management and administrative staff to address learning and professional development needs.
In a medical emergency please call the practice on 01501 730432 and you will be re-directed to our practice mobile number. Normal service will resume on Friday, 15th May 2026 at 8am.
Many thanks for your co-operation.
Spring 2026 Practice Newsletter
The Spring 2026 Practice Newsletter is now available for download (PDF). If you prefer you can pick a copy up from the practice reception.
Spring COVID-19 Booster Vaccinations 2026
NHS Scotland is preparing to launch the spring COVID-19 booster program to help protect those most at risk. The programme is expected to begin in April.
Who is eligible for a spring booster?
The spring booster is offered to groups who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. This usually includes:
- People aged 75 years and over
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- People aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system (immunosuppressed).
How to get your appointment
If you are eligible, NHS Scotland will contact you directly by letter, email, or text message.
Please do not contact your GP practice
Our practice team cannot book these appointments for you. Please wait until you receive your invitation before taking any action. This helps keep our phone lines free for patients who need urgent medical care.
How to book or reschedule
Once you have been contacted, you can manage your appointment in the following ways:
- Book online: Use the secure portal to pick a time and location that suits you. Book your appointment via the NHS Scotland portal
- Call the helpline: If you cannot use the online portal or have questions about your appointment, please call the national vaccination helpline. Call the National Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013. The helpline is open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm on Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Why get the booster?
Protection from previous doses can fade over time. The spring booster "tops up" your immunity, reducing your risk of hospitalisation and helping you stay well as the weather gets warmer.
More information
For more details on the spring program, eligibility, and what to expect at your appointment, please visit the official NHS Inform website.
Visit NHS Inform for COVID-19 vaccine details
Understanding Meningitis: Symptoms, Vaccination and When to Act
In light of recent reports of Meningitis B cases in the South of England, we want to ensure our patients in Scotland have the information they need to stay safe.
While the current outbreak is localised to Kent, meningitis is a serious condition that can develop very quickly. Knowing the symptoms and staying up to date with vaccinations are the best ways to protect yourself and your family.
Most cases of meningitis are rare, but awareness of symptoms is important.
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the protective lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. While it is rare, it can become serious very quickly and requires urgent medical attention.
University students and young people are at a slightly higher risk because they often live, study, and socialise in close groups.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Symptoms can appear in any order and may not all be present. Look out for:
- A high temperature (fever)
- Vomiting or feeling sick
- A severe headache
- A stiff neck
- Dislike of bright lights
- Feeling very drowsy or difficult to wake
- Seizures (fits)
- A blotchy rash that does not fade when pressed (the "glass test")
- Other early symptoms can include cold hands and feet, limb pain, pale or mottled skin, and confusion.
Please note: Early symptoms may not always be present. Do not wait for a rash to appear. If you or someone you care for feels unwell and you are concerned, seek medical advice immediately.
Useful Resources
Can Meningitis be Prevented?
Yes, many types of meningitis can be prevented with free NHS vaccines. These include:
- MenACWY vaccine: Usually given to teenagers around age 14. Students under 25 and international students can still get this for free if they missed it.
- MMR vaccine: Given during childhood to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella.
- MenB vaccine: Offered to babies born after May 1st, 2015.
Currently, the NHS does not offer "top-up" or "booster" doses for the MenB vaccine once childhood vaccinations are complete.
Private Meningitis B vaccinations may be available at some private clinics and pharmacies, depending on their supply. If you are interested in this, you can contact local pharmacies directly to check availability and costs.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against several types of meningitis.
Missed a Vaccine?
Don’t worry if you aren’t sure about your vaccination history. It is easy to check if you or your child are fully protected. You can find out how to view your records and what to do next by following the link below:
Check your vaccination history and find out how to contact your local immunisation team
What You Should Do
We encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with the symptoms.
- Emergency: Call 999 or attend your nearest Emergency Department immediately if meningitis is suspected
- Act fast: Do not wait for all symptoms to appear
- Get advice: Call NHS 24 on 111 if unsure
- Follow up: Seek help again if symptoms worsen or you remain concerned.
Public Holidays for 2026/27
The GP practice is closed on all public holidays so please ensure that you have enough medication to last you during these closures. If you require medical attention when the practice is closed please contact NHS24 on 111.
2026
- Friday 3rd April – Good Friday
- Monday 6th April – Easter Monday
- Monday 4th May - May Day
- Monday 15th June – Public Holiday
- Monday 14th September – Public Holiday
- Friday 25th December - Christmas Day
- Monday 28th December - Boxing Day
2027
- Friday 1st January – New Year's Day
- Monday 4th January – Public Holiday
- General practice does not currently have the capacity to meet this additional demand from the private sector
- It is challenging for us to be assured of the quality and governance aspects of private clinics
- General practice does not currently have the capacity to meet this additional demand from the private sector
- A baby under 12 weeks old
- Aged 80 or over
- Receiving palliative care
- Living in a nursing home
- Routine GP Appointments: around 2 weeks
- Prescription requests: 3 working days
-
Search nhsinform.scot for self-help advice -
Visit your pharmacist first for minor illnesses and medicines -
Contact your GP practice for routine or urgent care during normal opening hours -
Call 111 for minor injuries or urgent GP or dental care out of hours - The medicine being recommended on your private prescription is not allowed on an NHS prescription.
- The medicine being recommended is not provided by your local NHS.
- In your local area the medicine may not be included in the normal NHS treatment for your condition, therefore it would not normally be recommended on an NHS prescription.
- The medicine being recommended is not included in your local medicine formulary.
- The medicine being recommended is only suitable for specialist or specialised prescribing.
- Normally, NHS specialists and not GPs, would prescribe the medicine. So, GPs may be unfamiliar with the medicine and how it should be prescribed and reviewed. GPs would not normally prescribe these medicines on NHS prescription.
- Advanced Nurse Practitioners are experienced, professional, highly educated, registered Nurses who work at an extremely high level of Practice. They have advanced clinical and practical skills which are relevant to their specific role.
- They manage the complete care of patients in an acute or chronic situation and have the authority to investigate, refer, admit and discharge within their defined clinical roles.
- They are competent in the investigation and interpretation of results. They can prescribe medications, administer sick lines, refer to secondary care for specialist review and can care for patients just as effectively as a GP.
- Money or housing worries
- Work
- Caring responsibilities
- Physical concerns
- Emotional Concerns
- Helpline: 0845 600 2227
- Email: support@crusescotland.org.uk
- No training days are currently planned.
Practice Newsletter
The Winter 2025 Practice Newsletter is now available for download (PDF). If you prefer you can pick a copy up from the practice reception.
Practice Closure 18/12/2025 12pm to 2pm
The Practice (both Armadale and Blackridge) will be closed from 12pm to 2pm on Thursday, 18th December 2025. During this time we will be available for emergency calls only. If you phone the practice number, you'll be given instructions on how to access urgent help. The practice will reopen at 2pm.
Shared Care Agreements with Private Providers
From the 15th October 2025, Barbauchlaw Medical Practice will no longer agree to Shared Care Agreements with Private Providers.
As a practice, we have carefully considered these requests and unfortunately, we cannot support the prescribing and monitoring of medications from private clinics. This would therefore require a private provider taking responsibility for blood tests, biometrics collection(e.g weight, height, blood pressure) ,results handling as well as ongoing monitoring ,regular review and prescription of medications for all shared care medications.
There are several reasons for this:
Shared Care with private providers is not recommended due to the general NHS constitution principle of keeping as clear a separation as possible between private and NHS care. Shared Care is currently set up as an NHS service, and entering into a shared care arrangement may have implications around governance and quality assurance as well as promoting health inequalities. All shared care arrangements are voluntary, so even where agreements are in place, practices can decline shared care requests on clinical and capacity grounds. The responsibility for the patient’s care and ongoing prescribing then remains the responsibility of the private provider.
Of note policy was passed at UK LMC Conference 2025, which stated that "any shared care prescribing arrangement with a private provider is unsafe, not enduring, and widens health inequalities".
If we are unable to accept Private Shared Care, we will be more than happy to discuss onward NHS referrals in a routine appointment for a second opinion or for transfer of care, but we cannot prescribe or monitor in the interim period, it is therefore important to consider this and any ongoing Private care needs/costs that would therefore be required before starting any treatment.
If a patient is already under Shared Care with the Practice and the Private sector we will continue to do so until the shared care agreement is renewed, after this time we will no longer be able to continue shared care.
If you would like to discuss further please get in touch through e-consult.
Econsult and Appointment Update
We are now working in line with BMA safety guidance.
If you need a routine or an urgent appointment , please call the practice if you are:
If Econsult is closed and you feel your problem is urgent, please call the practice. Our triage team will guide you to the most appropriate care using signposting GP guidance.
Current Waiting Times:
Thank you for your understanding and support while we continue to provide safe and timely care.
Procedures and Policies Review - August 2025
Please be aware that we are reviewing our existing procedures and policies to better support patients in accessing the right care right place.
Time to Learn Session
THURSDAY, 28TH AUGUST 2025 – AFTERNOON
Staff Training 1pm – 6pm
Please note that the practice will be closed from 1pm for essential staff training. In a medical emergency please call the practice on 01501 730432 and you will be re-directed to our practice mobile number. Normal service will resume on Friday, 29th August 2025 at 8am.
Many thanks for your co-operation.
PSA testing in the GP Practice
Recently, there has been lots in the media around PSA testing and the practice has received lots of requests for PSA blood tests. We understand this is causing anxiety to patients.
We do not do routinely perform PSA tests unless this has been requested by a GP. If you are attending the practice for a blood test please do not ask the Nurse/HCA to do a PSA test. Please refer to Prostate Cancer UK or read this patient information sheet for further guidance PSA testing and prostate cancer: advice for men without symptoms of prostate disease - GOV.UK
Thank you for your understanding.
Practice update – January 2025
We wanted to make you aware of a scam that is currently happening in the West Lothian area.
Patients have received a call from a mobile phone number which, when answered, plays a pre recorded message that states if a patient doesn’t contact their surgery on this mobile number and update their full patient details, then they will be removed from the practice list.
This call generally comes from a mobile number which starts with 07760.
Our practice will NEVER contact you and ask you to update your personal details in this way.
Any contact from the practice will be made via a team member who will identify themselves to you with a name and the reason for their call to you.
Please ask one of our Supervisory Team if you have any further questions.
Why Are Your GP Practices Now Unable to do Everything They Once Were
Why are your GP practices now unable to do everything they once were? Read about it here.
Practice Changes Update
We just wanted to let you know that the car park is going to remain closed for the foreseeable future. This is for safety reasons around the work we are currently having done in the practice. We would also ask that you do not park on the side of the road at the entrance to the car park as we have various delivery lorries etc. that are trying to come in and out of the practice during the day. There is a disabled bay available at the front of the practice and alternative parking can be found across the road from the surgery.
Practice Changes
We wanted to let you know that our Armadale Practice will undergo some changes in the coming weeks. This is to allow for some building works in the practice that will take place from Tuesday 27th February 2024 and run for approximately 2 weeks. We will have a temporary reception/script area in place and there will be signage to guide you towards this as you arrive at the practice. Please continue to use the check in machine when you arrive for your appointment.
If you have a nominated pharmacy, we will remind you to pick up your prescription from there and not come to the practice to collect it.
During the works there will be a lot of noise in the practice. Please be prepared for this.
The car park at Armadale will be closed on Friday 23rd and Monday 26th of February to allow preparation for the building works.
Right Care Right Place - NHS Lothian
Health services are extremely busy this winter. Please get the right care in the right place:
Find out more at https://services.nhslothian.scot/rightcare/
NHS 24 - Helping you find the right care
Please click here to read the "NHS 24 Helping you find the right care" leaflet.
Fit to Work Notes Med 3 Advice
Please click here for guidance on Fit to Work Notes (previously known as Sick Notes/Sick Lines). This information is for both Patients and Employers.
Information on prescriptions issued after a private consultation
This following explains how a prescription issued after a private consultation, is different to an NHS prescription and how you can receive your medicine.
Private clinicians may write to NHS clinicians requesting for treatment to be continued within primary care. Please note that NHS clinicians are under no obligation to issue an NHS prescription for patients who have had medicines prescribed privately.
Please see further details below explaining why your GP may not be able to transfer your private prescription onto an NHS prescription.
Why am I being given a private prescription?
If you have seen a doctor or other healthcare professional privately and they need you to start a treatment, you may be issued with a private prescription. Private doctors are not allowed to issue NHS prescriptions. This is because private consultations are not part of the NHS.
Can I ask my GP for an NHS prescription if I have seen the clinician privately?
There are a number of reasons why your GP may not be able to transfer your private prescription onto an NHS prescription. These include:
What is the difference between a private prescription and an NHS prescription?
With a private prescription you will need to pay for the full cost of the medicine plus a dispensing fee, which covers the pharmacy’s costs. The pharmacy will calculate the total cost, and this is paid by you or your medical insurance company. The total cost can vary at different pharmacies, so it is worth asking more than one pharmacy how much they will charge you to provide the prescription.
How do I get my medicines if they are on a private prescription?
If you have been given a private prescription by your healthcare professional, you can have this dispensed at a pharmacy of your choice.
A private prescription is normally written on letter headed paper and has all the information about the medicine and how you need to take it. The pharmacy will inform you how much they will charge you to provide the prescription. The pharmacy has to keep the private prescription for their records once your medicine has been dispensed.
I cannot afford to pay for the treatment privately, what can I do?
It is important to consider all potential costs when using a private consultant and this includes medicine costs. If your GP is unable to prescribe the medicine on an NHS prescription for one of the reasons documented, you should speak to the clinician that issued you with the private prescription to discuss what to do next. This may include them recommending an alternative less costly medicine.
Practice Newsletter
The Spring 2023 Practice Newsletter is now available for download (PDF). If you prefer you can pick a copy up from the practice reception.
Advanced Nurse Practitioners
We currently have an Advanced Nurse Practitioner attached to the Blackridge site and are delighted to announce that we will soon be welcoming two Advanced Nurse Practitioners to the Clinical Team in Armadale. Here is some information about what they can do:
NHS Pharmacy First Scotland
Need free advice or treatment without a GP appointment? Contact Pharmacy First.
Find more info at https://www.nhsinform.scot/care-support-and-rights/nhs-services/pharmacy/nhs-pharmacy-first-scotland.
Macmillan – Improving the Cancer Journey Service
Being diagnosed with cancer can be overwhelming and many people don't know where to go for support. If you are living in the Lothians and have been affected by cancer, our Improving the Cancer Journey service is here to help you live as well as possible.
An appointment with the Improving the Cancer Journey practitioner gives a person the time to discuss their concerns and think about 'what matters to them'. The service is here to help people affected by cancer (including family members and carers) access the right support at any point on their cancer journey.
Here are some of the things we can offer support with:
If you would like to find out more about how we can help or to book an appointment, please contact us:
Tel no: 07977307286 / 07929784315
Email: loth.icj@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Access Your Covid Vaccination Information
You can now access your Covid vaccination information via the NHS Inform website. Please see the link below for more information:
NHS Inform - Get a record of your coronavirus vaccination status
West Space
This week sees the launch of the new WESTSPACE site : https://westspace.org.uk/
WESTSPACE is the one stop shop online mental health and wellbeing resource for all adults in West Lothian. It is clear, concise and locally lead. The site is fully accessible and using the recite me tool the viewer can use audio description, change the colour of the screen to support conditions such as dyslexia, print of any page or translate the full site into over 100 languages.
The site contains an easy access service directory, showing your 3rd sector and charity partners in West Lothian and this directory can be filtered by several categories including local area. The service information is regularly updated and contains info such as cost (if any), location, accessibility and waiting times. The site also has a fantastic self-help page with useful guides and resources, worksheets, YouTube videos, apps and suggested podcasts for each area such as help with sleep, anxiety, men's mental health and many more.
Quit Your Way (Stop Smoking)
Quit Your Way Services deliver free stop smoking support at a variety of locations, and are provided by stop smoking specialists. Sessions are very informal and their friendly stop smoking specialists will discuss the products that can help you quit (Nicotine Replacement Therapy or Champix). Their sessions run weekly, are open access and there are daytime and evening sessions.
Please click here to find out more.
CALL MIA - Minor Injury Assessment
NHS Lothian are now offering a Minor Injury Assessment by video call in your own home. Their aim is to provide timely assessments, advice or treatment for patients.
Cruse Scotland
No one needs struggle with the death of a loved one alone, Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland is here and ready to help. Their contact details are:
Chronic Disease Reviews
It is important that we continue to provide a level of service that is safe to both our patients and Practice staff as per government guidance. We will continue to monitor our services and update these as advised.
More information about Chronic Disease Reviews
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
The new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will take effect from 25th May 2018. Please click here for our privacy statement.
Patient Text Messaging
We can now offer a text messaging service to remind you of pre-booked appointments. In order to do this, we need your signed consent. Please complete a form at Reception to allow us to fulfil this service.
Patient Clinical Information
Please click here for information on the Lothian Eye Health Network.
Staff Training 2023
The surgery will be closed from 13:00 on the following afternoons for staff training: