NHS Highland has begun a pilot walk-in clinic at County Community Hospital in Invergordon, opening this week as part of a managed roll-out of same‑day urgent primary care in the area.
Phased timetable and intent
The service launched from 13 July and will initially operate on a restricted basis: opening from 12:00 to 18:00 on Mondays and Fridays. The Highland Health and Social Care Partnership (HHSCP) said this phased approach is designed to allow staff to test the model, assess levels of demand and ensure services are safe and sustainable before any increase to weekday or seven‑day opening, when sessions would run from 12:00 to 20:00.
The walk‑in clinic is intended to complement existing GP provision rather than replace it, running alongside practices in Alness and Invergordon and providing same‑day care for non‑emergency conditions.
Staffing and recruitment
Locum clinicians are covering the initial opening period, working two days a week from the start of the pilot, while the HHSCP recruits towards a permanent staffing model.
“We’re implementing this service on a measured, phased basis so that we can test our systems properly and sustainably build capacity,” said Jill Mitchell, Head of Primary Care at NHS Highland.
Health Secretary Angela Constance welcomed the introduction, noting the walk‑in service offers another way for local people to access on‑the‑day care and is part of a wider national pilot backed by £36 million aimed at easing pressure from the so‑called “8am rush” for appointments.
What this means for patients
Patients with non‑urgent problems who need same‑day attention can attend the walk‑in clinic during its opening hours without an appointment. NHS Highland has emphasised that residents should continue to use their regular GP services as usual; the pilot is intended to support, not supplant, existing provision.
- Initial opening days: Monday and Friday
- Initial hours: 12:00–18:00
- Planned expanded hours if rolled out: 12:00–20:00, seven days
- Staffing: locum cover while recruitment proceeds
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | County Community Hospital, Invergordon |
| Start date | 13 July |
| Current opening | Mon & Fri, 12:00–18:00 |
| Potential future opening | Daily, 12:00–20:00 (subject to review) |
| Funding context | Part of wider Scottish pilot backed by £36m |
Local context and next steps
The trial will provide HHSCP and NHS Highland with data on patient numbers, presentation types and any operational issues that need addressing before a decision on expansion. Residents requiring emergency care should continue to use NHS 24 or attend A&E where appropriate.
NHS Highland has asked the public to treat the pilot as an additional option for obtaining same‑day advice and treatment for minor, non‑urgent conditions and to keep using established GP services where possible. The health board will monitor outcomes from the initial weeks of operation and publish further information on any future changes to opening days or staffing once a review is complete.
