Important IT system update
GP Practices across NHS Fife are in the process of moving to a new IT system. The GP IT system change is part of a wider national programme that will see all practices across Scotland using the same IT system.
Robust plans are in place to roll out the programme on a phased basis to GP practices in Fife.
For our surgery, the change to the new system will take place between 11th November to 18th November.
This will ensure our practice staff receive full training, and that important patient data and information are transferred over onto the new system.
During this period, the practice will remain open for urgent appointments, but there will be a temporary reduction in some of the services offered and availability of appointments which may include:
• Reduced appointment availability on specific days. Please only contact the practice if you require urgent medical assistance during the changeover period.• Changes to online services, including appointment booking and repeat prescription ordering.• Delays in processing non-urgent requests or paperwork.
Patients who receive repeat medication are encouraged to order their prescriptions in good time before the migration period begins. While we will continue to process urgent medication requests, routine repeat prescription requests may take longer than usual during the changeover. Please allow additional time when ordering medication and avoid leaving requests until your current supply is almost finished.
We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause but give an assurance we will do everything possible to ensure minimal disruption.
We will also provide further updates closer to the migration period about any disruption to our services.
Protected Learning Time (PLT) Closure – Tuesday 8 September
Please note that the practice will be closed from 1:00pm to 6:00pm on Tuesday 8 September to allow staff to participate in a Protected Learning Time (PLT) training session.
During this time, the practice team will be undertaking essential training and development to support the continued delivery of safe, effective, and high-quality patient care.
If you require urgent medical assistance whilst the practice is closed, please contact NHS 24 on 111.
For life-threatening emergencies, please call 999 immediately.
The practice will reopen as normal at 8.00am on Wednesday 9th September.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Missed Appointments – July
In July, there were 44 appointments that were not attended and were not cancelled in advance.
Every missed appointment has a real impact on our patients and our practice:
- 44 appointments could not be offered to other patients who were waiting to be seen
- This equates to over 9 hours of lost clinical appointment time
- Missed appointments reduce availability for urgent problems, routine reviews, and follow‑up care
- They also place additional pressure on GP, nursing, and administrative teams
We understand that appointments can sometimes be missed due to illness, emergencies, or unexpected circumstances. However, when appointments are not cancelled, the time cannot be reallocated to another patient.
How you can help
- If you cannot attend, please cancel your appointment as early as possible
- This allows us to offer the appointment to another patient
- Appointments can be cancelled by phone, text message or online (where available)
By cancelling in advance, you help us:
- Improve access for all patients
- Reduce waiting times
- Make the best use of NHS resources
Thank you for your understanding and support.
New Repeat Prescription Email Address
Patients can now email in prescription requests by emailing the surgery at fife.egertonprescriptions@nhs.scot.
The email address is for prescription orders only. Please include:
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Address
- Mobile Number
- Medication & Strength
- Preferred Pharmacy (Kirkcaldy)
Repeat prescription can take 3 working days whilst non-repeats may take longer. Any email that does not have the above information and/or includes request out with repeat prescriptions may not be actioned.