20/04/2026
Protected Learning Time in GP Practice
NHS Lanarkshire are committed to ensure that they provide the best possible care to our patients at all times. In order to support and sustain valuable general practices, Protected Learning Time (PLT) is being introduced from June 2024 across all GP practices.
PLT is an opportunity for the GP Practice team including clinical, management and administrative staff to address learning and professional development needs.
NHS Lanarkshire has GPs, Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs) and Call Handlers to provide cover for patients who require Acute or Urgent Care during 1400-1800 hours. Routine requests (such as results or repeat prescriptions) from patients received via the call handlers will be asked to call back the following day when your GP practice resumes business as usual.
The Call Handlers will screen all calls received in a similar manner to practice reception staff and if deemed appropriate, the patient will be transferred to a clinician who will initially carry out a telephone consultation. If the clinician feels that it is necessary for the patient to be seen face to face, they will arrange and appointment at a primary care centre or house visit that afternoon.
We will be closed between 1400 - 1800 on Wednesday 29th April. Our reception desk will remain opened until 1400.
If you feel you need to seen urgently that afternoon please contact the surgery number as normal, you will then be diverted to a call handler. askmyGP will remain closed on this day to allow us to manage our urgent on the day requests.
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