Protected Learning Time in General Practice
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Protected Learning Time?
NHS Lanarkshire is committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible care to our patients at all times. In order to support and sustain valuable general practices, Protected Learning Time (PLT) was introduced in June 2024 across all participating GP practices in each of our 10 localities.
PLT is an opportunity for the GP practice team including clinical, management and administrative staff and members of the wider (NHS Board / Health and Social Care Partnership) team to address learning and professional development needs.
Only those GP practices mentioned under each date will be participating in PLT. All other GP practices will remain open and patients should contact their practice in the normal way. Â
Can I still speak to a GP during the PLT sessions?
Yes. If you require acute or urgent care during the time your practice is closed, NHS Lanarkshire has a team of receptionists and GPs available to backfill clinical activity for your GP Practice.
When you call your GP practice your call will either be diverted to the PLT team directly, or the GP practice telephone system answerphone message will ask you to select a number which will transfer you to our team to help while your GP practice is closed.
If your call to the GP practice is routine – for example, requiring test/diagnostic results or requesting a repeat prescription, you will be asked to call back the following day.Â
What to expect when I speak to a member of the PLT Team?
You will firstly speak to a dedicated call handler who will ask you some key questions to understand the reason for your call, to determine whether you require acute or urgent care.
If deemed appropriate, you will be transferred by the call handlers to a GP who will initially carry out a telephone consultation with you to establish whether your care can be managed by this route and agree the most appropriate treatment and care required.
GPs can also see you face-to-face, if required, within a primary care centre that is as close to your home as possible and arrange an appointment that day for you.
There is also the option (if the GP deems it to be clinically required) of a home visit by a GP and this can be arranged following your clinical assessment.
How often will PLT take place?
Each GP practice across NHS Lanarkshire will be closing for PLT three times a year on a rolling programme, on a Wednesday afternoon between 2pm and 6pm.
How will I know when my GP practice is closing for PLT sessions to take place?
NHS Lanarkshire will ensure that there is advanced notice given to your GP practice ahead of their scheduled PLT sessions to facilitate planning and timely communication to the practice team and patients. Â
When will my GP practice be closed?
GP practice closure dates for June 2025.
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Wednesday 11 June – East Kilbride
Strathcalder Practice, Alison Lea Medical Centre, Alison Lea, East Kilbride, G74 3BE
The Murray Surgery, 50 The Murray Road, East Kilbride, G75 0RT
Mavor Medical Practice, Hunter Community Health Centre, Andrew Street, East Kilbride, G74 1AD
Kirkview Medical Practice, Hunter Community Health Centre, Andrew Street, East Kilbride, G74 1AD
Kittoch Medical Practice, Hunter Community Health Centre, Andrew Street, East Kilbride, G74 1AD
Caldergreen Medical Practice, Hunter Community Health Centre, Andrew Street, East Kilbride, G74 1AD
Kilbryde Medical Practice, Hunter Community Health Centre, Andrew Street, East Kilbride, G74 1AD
Avondale Medical Practice, Strathaven Medical Centre, The Ward, Strathaven, ML10 6AS
Alba Medical Group at Allison Lea Medical Centre, East Kilbride G74 3BE, Greenhills Health Centre, East Kilbride G75 8TT and Strathaven Medical Centre, The Ward, Strathaven ML10 6AS
Wednesday 18 June – Coatbridge
Faraday Medical Practice, Coatbridge Health Centre, No. 1 Centre Park Court, Coatbridge, ML5 3AP
Atrium Medical Practice, Buchanan Centre, 126-130 Main Street, Coatbridge, ML5 3BJ
Church Street Medical Practice, Buchanan Centre, 126-130 Main Street, Coatbridge ML5 3BJ
Alba Medical Group – Coatbank, Coatbridge Health Centre, No. 1 Centre Park Court, Coatbridge, ML5 3AP
Wednesday 25 June – Hamilton
Burnbank Medical Centre, 18 Burnbank Centre, Burnbank, Hamilton, ML3 0NQ
Oak Lodge Medical Practice, 32 Miller Street, Hamilton ML3 7EN
Douglas Street Surgery, 1 Douglas Street, Hamilton, ML3 0DR
Hamilton West Medical Practice, 53 Burnbank Road, Hamilton, ML3 9AQ
Portland Park Medical Centre, 51 Portland Park, Hamilton, ML3 7JY
Wellhall Medical Centre, 4 Hillhouse Road, Hamilton, ML3 9TZ
Drs Clokey & McShane, Cadzow Health Centre, 187 Low Waters Road, Hamilton, ML3 7QQ
Dr J M Simpson & Partners, Low Waters Medical Centre, 11 Mill Road, Hamilton, ML3 8AA
Contact Us
Email:Â Â Â PLT-GPPractice@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
Resources
- NHS Scotland Publication – Protected Learning Time in General Practice – https://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/pca/PCA2023(M)05.pdf
- CPD Connect – What is Protected Learning Time – https://www.cpdconnect.nhs.scot/news/what-is-protected-learning-time/
- Scottish Rural Medicine Collaborative (SMRC) – Retaining our GP workforce in Scotland –Â https://www.srmc.scot.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/RCGP-Scotland-Retaining-Our-GP-Workforce-report-2022.pdf
- The General Medical Council – How lifelong learning for doctors is valued, managed and supported in the UK – https://www.gmc-uk.org/-/media/documents/how-lifelong-learning-for-doctors-is-valued–managed-and-supported-in-the-uk_pdf-88400948.pdf
