Why are GP practices still working differently?
GP practices are very busy tackling the Covid-19 pandemic and giving care and advice to you.
To make sure we all stay safe, your healthcare may be provided in a different way than before. You may have a video or phone consultation, instead of a face to face one.
Please respect our staff during this difficult time for everyone.
Please click here to view more info on how and why your GP practices are still working differently.
October 7th, 2021
27th of September – Bank Holiday
The practice will be closed on Monday 27th of September for the Bank Holiday.
For information about other NHS services available during the September bank holiday weekend period. Click here to be directed to the very helpful ‘Know Who To Turn To’ NHS guide’.
If you are in need of medical attention during this time (which cannot wait until we re-open), you can use the regular NHS 111 online service: 111.nhs.uk/ or call 111 if you are unable to get help online.
If you are in need of immediate medical attention dial 999.
Please remember to order your medication to cover this period and allow us and the pharmacy a minimum of 2 working days to have your prescription ready for you.
If you do find yourself short on this day, your local emergency pharmacies are:
Boots – High St Dumbarton – Tel: 01389 763907 – Open 11am – 3pm
Boots – Main St Alexandria – Tel: 01389 752606 – Open 11am – 3pm
We hope you have a lovely weekend!
September 22nd, 2021
Video Consultations
If you have been asked to attend a video consultation with one of our clinicians, please view the information sheet on how to get set up.
If you are familiar with our video consultation process, you can follow this link to be taken into our virtual waiting room for your allocated appointment.
August 27th, 2021
Information on our telephone queuing system
Levenside are currently receiving a high volume of calls daily. Please note the current telephone system, installed in November 2020, does not have a queuing information service. We are unable to resolve this issue as to do so would come at a monetary cost to you, our patients. When you are given the option on our phone system to press 3 to book an appointment you will hear the phone ringing. You are now in a queue to speak to a Receptionist. Please be assured your call will be answered and that the phone ringing represents you being in a queue. We have 3 Receptionists answering calls every morning.
The Practice had no control over choosing the telephone system which has been installed across Dumbarton Health Centre and a complaint has been submitted to the Telecoms Manager.
August 19th, 2021
Essential IT Upgrades
We will be getting essential IT upgrades to all our computers on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th of August.
As a result we are required to operate emergency only clinics on these days. We would kindly ask that you only contact the practice on these days if it’s essential. Please accept our sincere apologies in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.
Thank you for your support.
August 9th, 2021
Hello’s & Goodbye’s
We have a new registrar (trainee GP) at the practice, Dr Johan Krieger. He will be with us initially for a period of 6 months. We wish him a warm welcome to the practice.
That means we will be saying goodbye to our current registrar Dr Jasmin Gregory, who will be moving on to her next placement. We wish her the best of luck with the next part of her training.
August 4th, 2021
Telephone Audit
Due to patient feedback regarding issues with our phone access we have undertaken a 3 week telephone audit to better understand the nature of our enquiries and identify ways of improving our call waiting times. Please click here to view our key findings, and for a detailed break down of the calls, please click here.
July 27th, 2021
NHS Coronavirus Digital Passport
There have been reports of fake NHS email and text messages requesting that you can apply for a coronavirus ‘Digital Passport’, allowing you to prove your vaccination status and travel safely without the need for self-isolation. This email takes you to a convincing looking but fake NHS website and asks for your personal and payment details for a small ‘admin fee’.
You can manage your vaccination appointments and receive a confirmation of your vaccination status on the NHS Inform Scotland website. You can request a printed copy of your vaccination status online or by calling the COVID-19 Status Helpline on 0808 196 8656. You will never be asked to pay to receive a copy of your vaccination status.
GP’s cannot provide letters showing your coronavirus vaccination status.
July 26th, 2021