Welcome to Portland Park Medical Centre

Portland Park Medical Centre was formed in 1971 and has always had a tradition of developing modern clinical practice within the context of caring family medicine.

With patients' needs at the heart of everything we do, our website has been designed to make it easy for you to gain instant access to the information you need. As well as specific practice details such as opening hours and how to register, you’ll find a wealth of useful pages covering a wide range of health issues along with links to other relevant medical organisationsGet Well, Keep Well

Of course we’re not just here for when you are unwell. Our team of healthcare professionals and back-up staff offer a number of clinics and services to promote good health and wellbeing whatever your medical condition.

Join In

We hope you enjoy having a look around the site and familiarising yourself with some of the online features such as ordering a repeat prescription.  Comments and suggestions are always a great way of helping us continue to enhance the way we look after you.

Access

At the front of the Practice there is a ramp for anyone who requires help entering or leaving the building and all consulting rooms are on ground level.

Public Holidays 2024

The practice with be closed on the following dates due to NHS Lanarkshire public holidays:

Wednesday 25th December 2024 

Thursday 26th December 2024 

Public Holidays 2025

The practice with be closed on the following dates due to NHS Lanarkshire public holidays:

Wednesday 1st January 2025 

Thursday 2nd January 2025 

Friday 18th April 2025 

Monday 21st April 2025 

Monday 5th May 2025 

Monday 26th May 2025 

Monday 21st July 2025

Monday 29th September 2025 

Thursday 25th December 2025 

Friday 26th December 2025 

Please ensure that you have enough medication to last you during these times.  If you require medical advice on these days, please contact NHS 24 on 111.

Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microbes such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites evolve over time and no longer respond to antimicrobial drugs. As a result, antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines can become ineffective and infections become increasingly difficult or even impossible to treat, accelerating the risk of disease, severe illness and death.

Antimicrobial drugs - including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics - are used to prevent and treat infections. They also minimise the risk of infection associated with a range of modern healthcare procedures, such as caesarean sections, hip replacements or chemotherapy. Without effective antimicrobials, these procedures would carry an increased risk of infection and associated problems.

The World Health Organisation has declared AMR to be one of the top ten threats to global health. Research estimates that in 2019, 4.95 million deaths were associated with bacterial AMR worldwide. AMR can spread via humans, animals, the environment and the food chain, and can move between countries. To control it effectively, we need a ‘One Health’ approach. This requires coordinated action on human health, animal health, minimising the spread of AMR through the environment, and food safety.

For more information, please visit NHS Inform- Antimicrobial Resistance

Winter Vaccination Programme 2024

Flu and coronavirus vaccines will be offered to those eligible from mid-September onwards. It’s strongly recommended you get vaccinated if you’re eligible this winter. Invitations for people who are eligible are now being sent. You may receive your invitation at a different time than previous years. You should attend the appointment you’ve been given, or make or rearrange your appointment as soon as possible.

The postal invites will arrive in white envelopes with clear NHS Scotland branding. People with a digital preference will receive their vaccine appointment or prompt to book by text and/or email.

Please do not try to make an appointment until you’ve been invited by NHS Scotland, and please do not contact the practice regarding invitations or appointments as the programme is being managed centrally by NHS Scotland and our dedicated vaccination teams.

For more information, please visit NHS Scotland Winter Vaccines 2024

Online Prescription Requests

We are changing the way that you order prescriptions online.  

To register for this service, please email ppmc@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk and provide your name, date of birth, email address and mobile telephone number.

Following this, you will receive an email from patient services with the information you require to set up your account.

If you have any problems with this, please come to reception and speak with a member of staff.

Please register as soon as you are able.

NOTE: PLEASE ALLOW FOUR FULL DAYS WHEN ORDERING YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS- PRESCRIPTIONS WILL NOT BE READY BEFORE THIS TIME. 

Did you know?

There are many services that you can access other than your GP surgery? Please find some useful information below about the types of services you can access! 

Minor Injuries Unit

Physiotherapy Services 

Patients can self- refer to Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy- This is where a Physiotherapist will assess and treat you if you have any injury, disease or problem that relates to muscles, bones, joints and peripheral nerves. They may also provide advice to help you manage your condition, or refer you to other services if appropriate. 

To refer, please complete the online self-referral form by visiting: Physiotherapy- Self Referral

Acute Low Back Pain (LBP) Drop-In Clinic

If you are experiencing a new episode of lower back pain, or have had a recent flare of lower back pain within the last 12 weeks, you can attend the Drop-In Clinic at Douglas Street!

Where: Douglas Street Community Centre 
When: Every Thursday from 1pm-2:30pm

PLEASE NOTE: You have to be aged 16 and over to access this service. This service is unsuitable for individuals who have multiple areas of joint pain, who are experiencing chronic ongoing pain or who are already attending Physiotherapy appointments. 

Podiatry Services 

The Podiatry team provides triage, screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment and foot health education to patients with a lower limb condition, or a condition throughout the body that affects the lower limb. The Podiatry team can deal with Diabetic-related foot issues, aches and pains, toenail issues, hard skin and corns and footwear assessments and recommendations. 

To refer, please contact the Podiatry appointment service on 01698 753 753 (Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm)

Douglas Street- Treatment Room Services 

Lanarkshire Health Board provides treatment room services through a single, central clinic located in Douglas Street, Hamilton. All treatment room care such as stitch removal, ear syringing, dressings, injections and wound care is provided through this site.

For more information or to make an appointment for one of the above-listed services, please telephone the clinic on: 01698 754 989.

Community Opticians

In our local area, we have several community opticians who offer free emergency appointments for patients who are experiencing eye problems such as sudden loss of vision, blurred vision, painful or red eyes, sudden flashes or floaters in the eye. They can also offer advice and support on eye conditions and managing eye infections. Opticians have the same specialist equipment as Hospital-based Ophthalmologists. They can also refer directly to hospital should this need arise. 

Please click on the following link for a list of participating Opticians in our area: LENS Opticians

Pharmacy First Services 

NHS Pharmacy First Scotland allows community pharmacies to give people expert help for treating conditions such as sore throats, earache and cold sores, along with common clinical conditions such as Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Pharmacy teams offer advice, treatment or referral to other healthcare teams if required. The service helps people access the right care, in the right place, without having to visit a GP practice or local A&E for non-urgent treatment. 

Some of the things covered by Pharmacy First: 

• Heartburn, reflux, constipation, diarrhoea and haemorrhoids 
• Travel sickness, pain relief, migraine relief 
• Simple eye infections (Conjunctivitis), dry eyes and allergic eye conditions (Hay Fever)
• Removal of ear wax and minor ear infections
• Oral ulcers/ inflammation and oral thrush
• Allergies, Hay Fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion
• Muscle and joint pain
• Simple infections- fungal skin infections, cold sores, worms, head lice, impetigo, shingles
• Urinary Tract Infections- Women aged 16+ with increased frequency and urgency of urine (The Pharmacist will assess your suitability for treatment and re-direct if they cannot assist) 
• Eczema, nappy rash, allergic reactions and itching, acne, scalp disorders

For more information, please visit the Pharmacy First information website: NHS Inform- Pharmacy First

Sexual Health Services 

NHS Lanarkshire offers extensive sexual health services at various locations in the local area. 

For more information on the services offered and clinic times, please visit the website: Lanarkshire Sexual Health Clinics

To make an appointment at one of the clinics convenient to you, please call 0300 303 0251 (Lines are open Monday- Thursday 8am-5:45pm and Friday 8am-4pm)

Maternity Services

If you have recently found out you are pregnant- congratulations! Please pop into the practice and collect a pregnancy pack which contains information on next steps and how to register with the Midwifery team, along with information on scans and tests in early pregnancy and supplements to take during the early stages of your pregnancy. 

Additionally, more information can be found on the NHS Lanarkshire website: NHS Lanarkshire- Maternity Services

Early Pregnancy Assessment Services 

If you are experiencing vaginal bleeding and/or abdominal pain in the early stages of your pregnancy, please contact the Early Pregnancy Unit to make an appointment: 

Airdrie EPAS (Monday to Friday)

01698 753 032- call 8:30am-9:30am

Hairmyres EPAS (Monday to Friday)

01355 584501- call 8:30am-9:30am

Wishaw EPAS (Monday to Saturday)

01698 366 217- call 8:30am-9:30am

If there is no answer, please leave a voicemail message and the team will return your call as soon as possible. 

In the event of an emergency where you have severe pain, heavy bleeding with clots or feel very unwell, telephone University Hospital Wishaw on 01698 366 210. 

Termination of Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and you decide you cannot continue with your pregnancy, you can self-refer for a termination of pregnancy. Please call the Women's Health Unity self-referral line on 01698 366 926. The referral line is open Monday to Friday, 9am-3pm. 

You will be given an appointment for a telephone consultation. This appointment will include: 

• Time to talk through your decision to have an abortion
• Options for treatment
• Discussion about types of contraception available for the future
• Options for screening for STIs
• A date for the abortion. If necessary, we may ask you to come in for an ultrasound scan first

Vaccination Services

All vaccinations are now provided by NHS Lanarkshire's Vaccination service- with the exception of travel vaccinations which are delivered by certain community Pharmacies. Since 1st April 2022, GP practices no longer have responsibility for providing vaccinations. The vaccination service provides a range of vaccines from centres that were set up to deliver the Covid-19 vaccination. 

For more information on the NHS Lanarkshire Vaccination Service, please visit: NHS Lanarkshire- Vaccinations

For information relating to travel vaccinations & what vaccines are available via NHS Lanarkshire, please visit: NHS Lanarkshire- Travel Vaccinations

Please make sure that you know the vaccination requirements of the country you are travelling to, and allow a minimum of 6 weeks to be vaccinated. You can check your requirements at the Fit For Travel website. 

Community Link Worker

Within Lanarkshire, there is a well-established Community Link Worker (CLW) programme available to all GP practices. A CLW is a non-clinical practitioner who will support people experiencing social stressors that are having an effect on their physical health, mental health and wellbeing. A CLW provides a holistic support to connect patients with community resources and services to empower them to take action on wider social and lifestyle factors. CLWs have a vast knowledge and close working relationships with a range of services including social care, charities, community work, alcohol & drug support, housing and money advice. 

For more information, please visit the website: NHS Lanarkshire- CLWs or talk to a member of the practice team who will be able to direct you to our CLW for support. 

Carers Network

Lanarkshire Carers is a resource for carers across Lanarkshire to access information, advice and a range of direct support services to support them in their caring roles. Early intervention and prevention is key to ensuring carers continue to manage and do not reach crisis point. Lanarkshire Carers works in partnership with a range of organisations and services that can help carers.

Support provided:

• Adult Carer Support Plans
• Support with Emergency Planning and Anticipatory Plans
• Emotional and Practical Support on a one-to-one basis with the carer
• Support to access a Short Break, enabling carers to take some time out from the demands and regular routine of caring
• Helping carers to feel confident in their caring roles and look after their own Health and Wellbeing through our Carer Training Programme
• Dedicated support for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities including bi-lingual support
• Tailored support for Young Adult Carers (aged 18-25)
• Support when engaging with social work and partner organisations
• Carer Legal Clinics where carers can obtain advice on topics such as Guardianship and Power of Attorney with a solicitor
• An opportunity for carers to have their voices heard to promote direct involvement and influence improvement in the planning and delivery of health and social care services.
• A virtual drop in service for carers wishing to access carer support via a video call via the NHS Lanarkshire Near Me platform.

For more information, please visit the carers website: Lanarkshire Carers

Money Matters Advice 

The Money Matters Advice Service is a free and confidential service that helps people living in South Lanarkshire claim benefits and deal with debt. The team can give you free unbiased advice on a range of benefit and debt issues and will work with you by discussing all your options and come up with a plan together. 

Money Matters can help with: 

• the cost-of-living crisis including advice on energy arrears
• gas and electricity top up vouchers
• debt advice including mortgage and rent arrears and dealing with creditors
• benefits advice
• budgeting

For more information, please call 0300 029 0041 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs 9am-4pm, Wed 11am-4pm) or visit their website: Money Matters Advice Service  

Managing your money- Assistance with Food 

If you are worried about rising costs of living and not being able to afford food, there are different solutions from your community, local council or government supports. 

For more information, please visit the South Lanarkshire Council website: Managing your Money- Food

Mental Health Resources 

Many factors influence mental health - housing, jobs, schools, transport, the environment - as well as they way we live our lives. 

Everyone has mental health needs. From time to time, most of us feel stressed, anxious, worried or afraid. We may also have experiences that are very difficult to cope with,such as losing our job or the end of a relationship. Being bullied, sexual or racial harassment, experiencing discrimination because of a mental health problem, not having a voice because we're too young, too old or simply different, can all have an impact on our mental health.

Doing something positive can make all the difference - for ourselves and for others.

For more information, please visit NHS Lanarkshire's mental health resource websites: 

eLanarkshire Mental Health Resources (ELAMENT)

Lanarkshire Mind Matters

Living Life

PLEASE NOTE: If you require immediate assistance, know that you are not alone and help is there. If it is an emergency and you need immediate help, call 999. NHS 24 provides non-emergency mental health support and they can be contacted by calling 111. If you are already seeing a mental health team, you may have been given telephone numbers to use in a crisis. If so, we would encourage you to do so. 

NHS Inform

NHS Inform is a website dedicated to providing accurate and reliable health information, to help individuals make informed decisions around their healthcare. 

For information on common symptoms and self-help guides, please visit: NHS Inform- Symptom Checker

For details on health & wellbeing services in Scotland, please visit: NHS Inform- Service Directory

For advice & tools to help look after yourself, including mental wellbeing and eating well, please visit: NHS Inform- Healthy Living 

Smoking Cessation Medication

We understand that Zyban (Buproprion) has recently become available again, having been unavailable for years. The smoking cessation service are apparently unable to prescribe this at present (this needs to be authorised through official channels). We are aware that the smoking cessation service may be directing some patients to request Zyban from their GP. Zyban is not on the NHS Lanarkshire Formulary and thus we cannot prescribe it. GPs are also not contracted to provide a smoking cessation service - this is out with our remit and is provided instead via Quit Your Way. Requests for this medication will be declined.

For smoking cessation help please visit: Quit Your Way