The Polwarth Medical Practice on Ponton Street is to close at the end of next month.
The Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership (EHSCP) and NHS Lothian determined that the patients at this practice could be managed by Gilmore and other nearby medical practices which “have similar boundaries, are well established, may offer a greater choice of GPs and services and can be more sustainable”.
Tracey McKigen, Director of Primary Care for NHS Lothian said: “Polwarth Medical Practice is closing from 30 November 2025 following a review by the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership (EHSCP), which currently manages the practice, and NHS Lothian, which oversees the GP contract.
“Most patients will be automatically transferred to Gilmore Medical Practice based in the same building, or another nearby practice.
“We are working closely with Polwarth Medical Practice and EHSCP to ensure all patients are notified and continue to receive safe, effective and timely care. We are also supporting staff to be redeployed.”
EHSCP took over the management of Polwarth Medical Practice as a Section 2c practice when the independent single-handed GP retired in 2016. EHSPC is committed to reviewing S2c practices to return them to an independent GP business or develop them as a good practice model.
David Barr is a longstanding patient at the practice. He said: “I have been with this practice all of my life. It was the Millar practice in Corstophine the area I come from originally. The surgery was then set up in Polwarth and they were happy to keep my family on due to my connection with them.
“It was a real shock to turn up to this news that is to be forced on patients and staff all of a sudden.
“I feel the Health Board are being a bit sneaky leaving the news for patients until it’s done.
“My concern is for the staff and I know many from over the years.
“My other concern is in this area there is more housing being built and people moving into the area.
“So we have I think more than four thousand patients being dropped on another practice. I’ve looked and there is no vacancy at any other local surgeries.
“Now as we try to beat the alleged 8am scramble for an appointments. This certainly won’t help with that. Wherever we all go there are going to have to be extra staff employed at these sites to accommodate us all.
As I get older it is comforting to know the people and the staff you got to know over 75 years.
“I hope there can be a rethink on this plan.
“I have also contacted Angus Robertson MSP about this.”
Angus Robertson, MSP for Edinburgh Central, said: “I am aware that the closure of the Polwarth Medical Practice is significant for many. Indeed, some residents have been attending their whole lives. I am in ongoing conversations with with NHS Lothian for further information. Patients will receive letters saying what will happen with their individual registration. In the meantime, you should still contact Polwarth Medical Practice as usual for appointments and prescriptions.”
