Failte to Isle of Skye.
We hope that you enjoy your visit with us.
The population of Skye increases significantly over the summer months.
If you require medical attention whilst you are here working, on holiday or just visiting for the day or two, there are a number of options available.
We have prepared this guide to help you to access appropriate services to your need.
Originator: ROC Portree Medical Centre Page 1 July 2018
Important Telephone Numbers:
Emergency - 999
Urgent/Out of Hours - 111
24 hour advice NHS Inform Tel: 0800 22 44 88 or visit www.nhsinform.scot
Medical Practices (Doctors Surgeries) Broadford - Tel: 01471 822460 Fax: 01471 820621 Carbost - Tel: 01478 640202 Fax: 01478 640464 Dunvegan - Tel: 01470 521203 Fax: 01470 521328 Glenelg - Tel: 01599 522272 Kyle of Lochalsh - Tel: 01599 534257 Fax: 01599 534107 Portree - Tel: 01478 612013 Fax: 01478 612340 Sleat - Tel: 01471 844283 Fax: 01471 844234
Pharmacies Broadford - Tel: 01471 822235 Fax: 01471 822898 Kyle of Lochalsh - Tel: 01599 534206 Fax: 01599 534206 Portree - Tel: 01478 612100 Fax: 01478 612100
Dentists Emergency Dental Telephone Number: 0845 644 2271
Kyle of Lochalsh - Tel: 01599 534552 (Dental Surgery) - Tel: 01599 534726 (Old Sick Bay) - Tel: 01599 530946 (Kyle Dentist)
Portree -Tel: 01478 614220 (NHS Dental) -Tel: 01478 612218 (Portree Dental Care)
Hospitals Broadford MacKinnon Memorial Tel: 01471 822491 24 hour A&E
Portree Hospital Part time Minor Injury & GP Out of Hours Centre Tel: 01478 613200
Originator: ROC Portree Medical Centre Page 2 July 2018
Everyone is entitled to emergency/urgent care free of charge.
Non-urgent Care
NON UK Visitors If you are a visitor from outside the UK, please go to NHS inform website. (www.nhsinform.scot) and search for “overseas visitors”, to find out how to access healthcare and about costs and any reciprocal agreements with your country.
If you are from the European Union you will need to show a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) and evidence of your country of residence (e.g. passport/identity card). If you do not provide this evidence, you will be treated as a Private Patient and have to pay.
If you are from a country that has a reciprocal agreement with the UK, again please ensure that you can provide proof of residence to receive free urgent care treatment.
UK Residents visiting Skye You will be aware of how the NHS works in the UK however it may be organised slightly differently on Skye than you are used to.
UK Citizens living outside the UK If you are a UK citizen living outside of the UK and not paying tax in the UK. You will be treated as a visitor subject to the rules relating to the country in which you reside.
An explanation of “in hours” and “out of hours” care General Practice (Doctors surgeries) are open during specific hours (usually 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday) and this is generally referred to as “in hours” service. When surgeries is closed it is referred to as “out of hours”, usually in the evenings and at weekends.
The Minor Injury Unit at Portree is open both in hours and out of hours, but not 24 hours a day. The A&E unit at Broadford Hospital is open 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.
Pharmacies can provide medication and advice on self treatment.
Longer Term Visiting Staying for more than 3 months? We would advise you to register with the Practice that covers the area you are staying in. Again you need to have proof of eligibility for NHS services.
Originator: ROC Portree Medical Centre Page 3 July 2018
URGENT MEDICAL ATTENTION
Anytime day or night
If someone is injured in an incident, first check that you and the casualty are not in any danger. If you are, make the situation safe. When it's safe to do so, assess the casualty and dial 999 for an ambulance or get someone to do it for you.
It's important to stay calm and try to get an overview of the situation. See if you can identify what the most serious problem is. The most obvious problem is not always the most serious. Treat the most life-threatening problems, such as lack of breathing, bleeding or shock, first. Check for broken bones and other injuries afterwards.
Don't worry if you have doubts. Paramedics would rather be called out to find an honest mistake has been made than be too late to save a person's life.
What might be an emergency?
> loss of consciousness
> an acute confused state
> fits that are not stopping
> persistent, severe chest pain
> breathing difficulties
> severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
> severe allergic reactions
> severe burns or scalds
> a child with sudden unexpected symptoms
Call 999 immediately if you or someone else might be having a:
Heart attack Symptoms of a heart attack could include and usually include more than one of:
chest pain – a sensation of pressure, tightness or squeezing in the centre of your chest pain in other parts of the body – it can feel as if the pain is travelling from your chest to your arms (usually the left arm is affected, but it can affect both arms), jaw, neck, back and abdomen feeling lightheaded or dizzy sweating shortness of breath feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting) an overwhelming sense of anxiety (similar to having a panic attack)
Although chest pain is often severe some people may feel very unwell but only experience minor pain, similar to indigestion. In some cases, there may not be any chest pain at all, especially in women, the elderly and people with diabetes.
It's the overall pattern of symptoms that helps to determine whether it is a heart attack.
Originator: ROC Portree Medical Centre Page 4 July 2018
Stroke As different parts of your brain control different parts of your body, your symptoms will depend on the part of your brain affected and the extent of the damage. Even if the symptoms have gone, the person still needs to go to hospital
The main stroke symptoms can be remembered with the word F.A.S.T.:
Face – the face may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have drooped.
Arms – the person with suspected stroke may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in one arm.
Speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake.
Time – it's time to dial 999 immediately if you notice any of these signs or symptoms.
It's important for everyone to be aware of these signs and symptoms, especially if you are with someone who is elderly, has diabetes or a similar long term condition or high blood pressure.
Shock If you think somebody could be suffering from shock, there are seven key things to look for:
Paleness of the face (pallor) Cold, clammy skin Fast, shallow breathing Fast, weak pulse Yawning or sighing Confusion Loss of response (in extreme cases)
What you need to do: • Lay them down with their head low and legs raised and supported, to increase the flow of blood to their head. Do not raise an injured leg. • Loosen any tight clothing to make sure it doesn’t constrict their blood flow • Fear and pain can make shock worse, by increasing the body’s demand for oxygen, so while you wait for help to arrive, it’s important to keep them comfortable, warm and calm. Do this by covering them with a coat or blanket and comforting and reassuring them • Keep checking their breathing, pulse and level of response. • If they become unresponsive at any point, open their airway, check their breathing, and prepare to treat someone who has become unresponsive (see CPR).
Major trauma Often the result of a serious road traffic accident or a fall from height.
THESE ARE EXAMPLES IF IN DOUBT DO NOT DELAY IN DIALING 999 Every second counts.
Originator: ROC Portree Medical Centre Page 5 July 2018
Urgent medical attention (out of hours) (Doctors surgeries are closed)
(between 18:00 and 08:00 overnight, weekends and bank holidays)
If you require urgent medical attention out of hours, that cannot wait until GP services are open, you should call 111 for NHS24.
Call 111 if :
You need medical help fast, but it is not a 999 emergency
You think you may need to go to A&E or another urgent care service
You don’t know who to call for medical help or you don’t have a GP to call
You require health information or reassurance what to do next
The staff at NHS 24 can:
Offer advice on self-care
Arrange for you to be seen at a local out of hours centre
Advise you to attend an Accident and Emergency (A&E)Minor Injury (MIU) department
Arrange a home visit
Or in an emergency send out an ambulance
By calling NHS 24 before you attend a minor injury, out of hours or A&E department
- you will be assured of being sent to the correct facility that has the services you need.
- the department will be aware that you are coming, as in single manned units the person on duty may be on a home visit.
Broadford Hospital provides a 24 hour a day/7 days a week service.
Portree Hospital provides minor injury and GP out of hours care services -18:00 to 23:00 Monday to Friday 08:00 to 23:00 Saturday & Sunday
By contacting NHS 24, they will be able to advise which centre to attend.
Originator: ROC Portree Medical Centre Page 6 July 2018
Accidents and Injuries (in hours) (Doctors surgeries are open)
Portree Minor Injury Unit 08:00 until 18:00 pm Monday to Friday
Broadford Hospital 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week
The Minor Injury Unit (MIU) at Portree is a walk in service (no appointment needed) Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm. Broadford Hospital also deals with all accident and emergency care and also provides a minor injuries service. It is also a walk in centre.
The MIU offers treatment to adults and children who have suffered a minor injury within the last 3 days (if the problem is older than this contact the Medical Practice in your area first).
All patients will be assessed by a qualified professional with expertise in minor injuries who liaises with the doctors and you will be seen by a doctor if necessary. Patients are seen as quickly as possible but the severity of the injury and workload will determine how quickly you will be seen.
Usually your treatment will be carried out at the unit at the time of your visit however on some occasions patients are asked to return for further investigations or travel to Broadford, for example an x-ray, or for review.
Examples of Minor injuries include:
Sprains & Strains
Broken Bones
Arm and leg injuries
Cuts and grazes, burns and scalds
Eye injuries
Minor head injuries
Insect and animal bites
Allergic reactions
Broadford Hospital can also treat:
Major injuries Severe stomach pain Pregnancy related problems Mental health problems Conditions likely to require hospital admission
If your condition is more serious and you attend the MIU, arrangements to transfer you to an appropriate centre of care will be arranged when the condition is stable and it is safe to do so.
Originator: ROC Portree Medical Centre Page 7 July 2018
Doctors Surgeries (GP Practices) (08:00 – 18:00 Monday to Friday)
Each Practice covers a different geographical area and each is organised differently, for example:
the times of the day they have appointments if there a triage system in place Ii you can speak with a nurse/doctor by telephone Who sees temporary residents (visitors)
If you are staying in a rented cottage, hotel or B&B your host will be able to advise you which surgery provides medical care. If you are travelling through, you can still be seen at a practice.
Please bear in mind that the Practice will not have access to your medical records, the local practice will offer medical assistance for conditions that cannot wait until you return home or one that needs to be done within a specific timeframe for example removal of stitches.
Should you develop a health problem during your visit, contact the local practice. Staff at the surgery will take some details and arrange for you to see/ or speak to (if by telephone) the most appropriate person, which may not be a Doctor. Many practices have Advanced Practitioners. These are nurses, paramedics and pharmacists with extended training to allow them to manage a wide range of conditions, some of whom can issue prescriptions for medication. Practice Nurse and healthcare assistant can also offer advice and treatment depending on the health problem.
When (the day and time) that you will get an appointment depends on the seriousness of your health problem and on how appointments are organised in the Practice. Unless your condition is serious, you may not be able to see someone immediately and you will be asked to return at a specific time. This can be a problem for visitors on coach trips, who only have a limited time in a location. If you know when you are going to be visiting a specific place you can phone the Practice in advance and speak to the staff about arranging an appointment.
You will be asked to complete a temporary resident form when you arrive at the Practice, so arrive 10 minutes early. Remember to take your EHIC card and national identity card or passport if non UK resident.
If you feel your health problem cannot wait until the appointment you are being offered, tell the person you speak with.
Forgotten or run out of medication This is a common issue. If you are reading this at home, please ensure you bring enough medication to cover your trip. In the UK, your GP can provide up to 3 months of your repeat medication, at their discretion. Read more about this at the NHS Scotland Inform website (or NHS Choices website for the rest of the UK).
If you have forgotten your medication, you should attend the community pharmacy nearest to you for advice. For visitors registered with a UK GP, your practice may be able to fax a prescription to the pharmacy.
If you cannot get a prescription faxed you should contact the Medical Practice which covers the area you are in. They will ask you to contact your own practice (if in the UK) and get your practice to send them a summary of your medication; they will give you a fax number or email address to give to your practice.
When they receive the summary they can arrange a prescription for you, or arrange for you to see someone to discuss your requirements. Please be aware that you may not get a prescription immediately as the Doctors may be consulting and attending to other patients. Originator: ROC Portree Medical Centre Page 8 July 2018
Pharmacy Assistance (usually Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 17:30) Some open on Sundays
A local pharmacy is the place to go to take your prescription and get the medicines prescribed. The pharmacist can also provide clinical advice for minor health concerns and treatment for self-management. Most pharmacy’s have a private consulting room if you would prefer to speak in private.
If the pharmacist feels it is better for you to see a Doctor, they may ask you to contact the local practice.
Boots Pharmacy Wentworth Street, Portree (just off Somerled Square) Telephone number: 01478 612100
Broadford Pharmacy Ford Hill, Broadford (just opposite Broadford Hospital road end) Telephone Number: 01471 822235
Kyle Pharmacy Station Rd, Kyle of Lochalsh (on the main road) Telephone Number: 01599 534206
The Pharmacists can provide advice and a range treatment options for a number of conditions, for example:
aches and pains backache colds constipation coughs diarrhoea earache emergency contraception hay fever headaches mild allergies simple rashes Sore throats tummy troubles
NHS Inform
Scotland's national health information service provides accurate and relevant information to help you make informed decisions: They provide information about:
illnesses, injuries and conditions Self-help guides for common illnesses and injuries a National Services Directory about support groups and NHS services in Scotland services provided by GPs, pharmacies and dental surgeries in Scotland
Telephone 0800 22 44 88 and online at www.nhsinform.scot
Dental Problems
If you have a dental problem while visiting, you should phone the dental helpline provided by NHS Highland. 0845 644 2271 It is open between 08:30 and 17:00 Monday to Friday.
Outside those hours you should use the urgent medical attention process (out of hours). Depending on your needs, they can arrange for you to see a dentist. Pharmacists can provide mild pain relief and doctors can prescribe stronger pain relief if necessary, however you should always seek dental assistance.
Originator: ROC Portree Medical Centre Page 9 July 2018
During the summer one of the most common concerns that people contact medical services about is TICKS.
Ticks are not insects. They can’t jump or fly. They are tiny spider-like creatures with two parts and eight legs. They are blood-suckers, and have three life stages: larva, nymph and adult. The ticks have one meal of blood at each stage, and the whole life cycle lasts 1-2 years. If they feed on an animal that is infected, they become infected themselves and able to pass on the infection to other animals and humans when they have their next meal.
Does a tick Bite always cause infection? No – only a minority of ticks will be infected with the bacterium (Borrelia burgdorferi) that causes Lyme disease and only a fraction of those will pass on the infection; there is no tick-borne encephalitis on Skye. Of the many species of tick, it is the deer tick which carries the Lyme disease bacterium and the low number of deer on Skye makes deer ticks rarer here than in other parts of Scotland. A tick has to stay feeding for a number of hours in order to pass on any infection, so if you remove them quickly there should be no problems. At the nymph stage they are very small and may not be felt. That is why regular checking is necessary.
What are the signs & symptoms of infection? A large reddish rash (erythema migrans) that increases in size may appear at the site of the bite, usually between 3 and 30 days afterwards.
There may be symptoms of fever, headache, tiredness, and muscle or joint pain – a bit like flu. In a few people it may also lead to more serious illness which affects the joints (arthritis), heart or nervous system.
What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease is an illness that may result from the bite of a tick infected with the Lyme disease bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi). It was named in 1977 when researchers investigated the cause of arthritis among children living in Lyme, Connecticut, and realised that it was caused by an infection.
How can infection be prevented? Wear light-coloured clothing – to help you spot ticks Tuck trousers into socks Walk along the centre of paths Check regularly for ticks when out, and on return home Promptly remove ticks Check pets for ticks and remove Consider the use of insect repellent (DEET based) on clothes and exposed skin. Clothing can also be treated with repellents containing permethin.
How should ticks be removed? Using medium-tipped tweezers or a tick removers (which can be purchased in local shops) grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. With a steady motion, pull the tick’s body away from the skin, without twisting. The tick’s mouthparts may remain in the skin, but they will eventually come out. Further attempts to remove them may break the skin and cause infection. The bacteria that cause Lyme disease are in the tick’s salivary glands.
Wash hands, and disinfect the tweezers and bite site. DO NOT use petroleum jelly, or any other product.
If you feel unwell or develop a rash the please seek medical attention.
Originator: ROC Portree Medical Centre Page 10 July 2018
We are very fortunate on Skye of being home to Lucky2Bhere, a charity that has provided many public access defibrillators and CPR training throughout Skye and rest of Scotland. These are the locations of defibrillators on Skye:
Area Postcode Location Details Aird of Sleat IV45 8RN No 12 East gable of wooden workshop Arinsdale, IV40 8JH The Ceilidh House & Heritage Centre, Corran, By Kyle On outside wall at front of building Armadale Iv45 8RS Sleat Community Garage Side Wall (Access Code C159X) Bernisdale IV51 9NS Old post office Inside old red telephone box Braes IV51 9NJ Gedintailr Front of shed Breakish IV42 8PY Village Hall Outside wall at main door Breakish IV42 8NH Kylerhea Opposite access to croft no 6 Broadford IV49 9AB Old Tourist Information Office Outside Wall Carbost IV47 8SR carbost Medical Practice Outside at front door Dunvegan IV55 8WA Wateride Cafe/Petrol Station Outside shop Edinbane IV51 9PW Edinbane Inn Outside wall on left side nearest shop (access code C159X) Edinbane Iv51 9Pr 7 Upper Edinbane Side of shed at house Elgol IV49 9BJ Village Hall Outside wall Fanks IV51 9PX No 3 Side wall of private house Glendale IV55 8WJ Village hall Outside wall - access code C159X Isle Oronsay Iv44 8RQ Sabhal Mor Ostaig Inside door opposite reception Kyleakin IV41 8NH Community Hall On front of building Luib IV49 9AN Luib House B&B On front wall of house Portnalong IV47 8SL Minginish Community hall Outside main door Portree Iv51 9QU Cuillin Hills Hotel Inside front entrance of hotel Portree IV51 9HL Jans Vans Outside main door Portree IV51 9EU Cnoc Mhairi In office (office hours only) Portree IV51 9EH Lucky2bHere, Bank of Scotland Offices In office (office hours only) Portree IV51 9DE Pier Hotel, Quay Street In dining room (hotel opening hours)
Originator: ROC Portree Medical Centre Page 11 July 2018
Area Postcode Location Details Portree IV51 9ET High School Main reception area (School hours) Portree IV51 9BZ Medical Centre Treatment room (Opening hours) Portree IV51 9EH Police Station Outside police station ( Access code 2888v) Portree Iv51 9EU Primary School, Blaven Road Outside main door Portree IV51 9DD RNLI - Lifeboat Station, Quay Street Outside lifeboat station Portree IV51 9BX Royal Bank of Scotland, Bank Street Side of building next to ATM Portree IV51 9EG Skye Camanachd Top of stairs (Match days only) Portree IV51 9EG Skye Camanachd Social Club top of stairs - (match day and gym hours) Portree IV51 9GP Tigh na Sgire (Council Office) Internally at service desk (office hours) Portree IV51 9EJ Tongadale Hotel Wentworth Street (hotel opening hours) Skeabost IV51 9NP Skeabost Hotel In reception (hotel opening hours) Sleat IV43 8QR Hotel Eilean Larmain Side wall outside bar Sleat IV46 8SA Tarskavaig On No 9
Sleat IV44 8QR Arainn Ostaig At rear porch area of kitchen opposite main road Staffin IV51 9Jy Columba 1400 On left had side of exterior wall Struan IV56 8FH Caroy On garage wall of Doune, Shagarry Cottage Struan IV56 8FA Cioch Outdoor Clothing Outside shop entrance (access code C159X) Torvaig IV51 9HU Caley's Shed On front of agricultural shed Uig IV51 9XX Filling Station Left of shop entrance
Originator: ROC Portree Medical Centre Page 12 July 2018