The new medical practice building, which still retains the name of Fairfield, is in custom-built premises in a quiet cul-de-sac off Abban Street with plenty of parking

LTHE long-awaited new doctors’ surgery in Abban Street opened without a hitch last month, and on 25th June an invitation was extended to neighbours to come and inspect the new premises and meet the staff.
The building accommodates not only the three doctors of the Fairfield Road Practice, but also the Dental Clinic, which used to be based further along Abban Street.
The staff say they are delighted with the new surgery and that they have received much positive feedback from patients. What many will not have realised is that there is access to the surgery directly from the Friars Bridge on foot, as well as from Abban Street and Gilbert Street.

The new Abban Street surgery is participating in a trial service being run throughout the city for those with serious transport problems such as the elderly and infirm and mothers with young children. For a nominal sum of 50p it may be possible to help people attend appointments, but as the service is being run by volunteers, people are asked to use it considerately when there is no public transport or any other alternative.

The practice is continuing the Nurses Telephone Advice Line for straightforward health problems and this operates from 8.50-9am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and between 3 and 3.10pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Screening - Raigmore has introduced an improved method of analysing cervical smear tests, which is causing a temporary delay - please be patient. Regarding breast screening, if you are a woman aged 50 or more you receive an invitation for a mammogram every three years; Fairfield Surgery patients will receive theirs in March next year.

Holidays - If you plan a holiday which involves vaccinations, please make an appointment with Di or Isobel, ideally two months or more prior to departure.

Prescriptions - The new phone number for repeat prescriptions is 667862 between 9.30-11.30am and 2.30-4.30pm. And towards the end of the week, think ahead and request any repeat prescription by Thursday.

• Although the Dental Clinic has moved along the road, the other facilities that are based in the Abban Street Clinic will remain there in the meantime.

With the opening of the new surgery, Abban Street must now be one of the most “healthy” places in Inverness, for at No.8 there is the chiropractors’ premises as well!