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.

Lothian Wellbeing

Find information and tools to help with your wellbeing and mental health.

Mental Health Assessment Service

What is MHAS? MHAS is an emergency mental health assessment service. We are a nurse led team based at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also provide a service at the Royal Infirmary from 5pm – 8am Monday to Thursday and from 5pm Friday to 8am Monday.
0131 286 8137

Mental Health Information Station

​Your first stop for mental health information & resources. Are you affected with mental health issues? Or do you care for someone who is?

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.

Edinburgh Community Treatment and Care Services (CTACS)

Community Treatment and Care Services (CTACS) provide services previously delivered by GP practices. These may include wound care and dressings, suture removal, ear wax management, phlebotomy and other services too. Some CTACS are involved in the delivery of vaccination programmes now that those have moved away from general practice. Edinburgh CTACS offer a patient-focused booking system, meaning Edinburgh patients can access any of the clinics providing a more convenient service.
0131 537 7205

Vasectomy

Patients can either refer themselves in writing or telephone, or be referred by their GP. Both ways are welcome and there are no advantages to either route. For self referrals please contact the vasectomy secretaries on 0131 536 1512. Please leave a message and the secretaries will get back to you.
0131 536 1512

Physiotherapy/MSK Problems

We can only accept referrals from patients who are registered with a GP Practice in Edinburgh. You must be aged 16 or over to use the self referral service. Please either email the completed form OR print it off and send it to us, the email address and/or postal address are shown on the self referral form.

Health in Mind Services in Edinburgh

We are working flexibly with people and can offer support in a range of ways. Here you will find the support available in different locations.
0131 225 8508

Rock Trust

If you are homeless or are worried about becoming homeless, please get in touch.
0345 222 1425

Four Square

Four Square is an Edinburgh charity which supports people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
0131 258 1227

Oxgangs Care

Our befriending service is accepting referrals for the over 60s living in the EH10 or EH13 postcode areas, who are at risk of loneliness and isolation. Our main aims are to provide company and help link older people into the community more while promoting independence and helping to improve self confidence.A friendly local place to go with. Lunch Club – Wednesdays 1-3pm Bingo night – Fridays 7-9 Toddler Group – Monday 10-12pm and 12:30-2.30pm
0131 466 0678

ithrive – Edinburgh

Your online space for mental health and wellbeing information in Edinburgh.

Podiatry

The podiatry department triage all new patient referrals. Please provide us with as much information as possible and include all relevant medical history and medication. Priority appointments are determined based on the information provided within the referral.

Sexual Health

NHS Lothian’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Service (formerly Family Planning and Well Woman services and the Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) department) now operates from the Chalmers Sexual Health Centre.​
0131 536 1070

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) Helpline

The helpline is operated by the Musculoskeletal Advice and Triage Service (MATS) and is provided by fully trained call operators, nurses and physiotherapists. 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 – Feeling Low, Anxious or Stressed?

Breathing Space was launched in 2002 to address serious concerns about the mental wellbeing of people in Scotland. The service became a national phone line in 2004. Breathing Space complements the work of other phone lines and agencies which are endeavouring to reduce suicide rates in Scotland.
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.