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.
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.
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.
When will my GP practice be closed?
GP practice closure dates for April and May 2026.
Motherwell – Wednesday 22 April 2026
Clyde Practice, Motherwell Health Centre, 138-144 Windmillhill Street, Motherwell ML1 1TB
Knowetop Medical Practice, Motherwell Health Centre, 138-144 Windmillhill Street, Motherwell ML1 1TB
Orchard Medical Centre, 41 Ladywell Road, Motherwell ML1 3JX
The Motherwell Medical Practice, Motherwell Health Centre, 138-144 Windmillhill Street, Motherwell ML1 1TB
Wishaw – Wednesday 29 April 2026
Branchalwood Medical Practice, Houldsworth Centre, Kenilworth Avenue, Wishaw ML2 7LP
Burnbrae Medical Practice (Shotts), 36 Station Road, Shotts ML7 5DS
Burnbrae Medical Practice (Newmains), Newmains Health Centre, 17 Manse Road, Newmains ML2 9AX
Calder Valley Surgery, Houldsworth Centre, Kenilworth Avenue, Wishaw ML2 7LP
Clyde View Medical Practice, Houldsworth Centre, Kenilworth Avenue, Wishaw ML2 7LP
Forestbank Medical Partnership, Harthill Health Centre, 24-26 Victoria Street, Harthill ML7 5QE
Logan Practice, Houldsworth Centre, Kenilworth Avenue, Wishaw ML2 7LP
Manse Road Medical Centre, 18 Manse Road, Newmains ML2 9AX
Rosehall Surgery, 269 Station Road, Dykehead, Shotts ML7 4AR
The George Practice, Health Centre, 36 Station Road, Shotts ML7 5DS
East Kilbride – Wednesday 13 May 2026
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
Strathaven Medical Centre, The Ward, Strathaven ML10 6AS
Coatbridge Locality –Wednesday 20 May 2026
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
Contact Us
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 – 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
