NHS Referral
You're entitled to ask for a referral for specialist treatment on the NHS. However, whether you'll get the referral depends on what your GP feels is clinically necessary in your case.
Your GP also generally understands your health history and treatments better than anyone else and will base any decision for a specialist referral on this knowledge.
If you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist, they'll probably suggest that you first try various tests or treatment options to see whether your condition improves.
For more information on NHS referrals, visit: NHS - Referrals
If you have been referred to Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) for treatment and would like details on estimated waiting times, letters you should have received or general health advice relating to the referral, visit: NUH NHS Trust - Referrals
Smoking & Vaping Survey
Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council are running a survey about smoking and vaping to help shape their future plans and the services that your community needs.
You dont have to be a smoker to participate. They want to hear from everybody.
Click here for information on how to participate.
Bank Holidays & Half Day Closures
For information on forthcoming Bank Holiday closures and half day closures, visit: Bank Holidays & Other Closures
Appointment Booking Changes
We are pleased to announce that as of Monday 5th June 2023, patients will have a choice over how they consult with their GP. Patients will be able to choose whether they see their GP face-to-face or speak with them over the telephone.
Patients will also be able to book face-to-face appointments through the Online Services function.
Patients are able to book these routine appointments up to 4 weeks in advance, as per our current process. Our receptionists will ask you what type of appointment you think is appropriate for your condition as part of the triaging process.
For further information on appointments and appointment types, visit: CHP - Appointments
Strike Action
Unless specified by the Practice, we will remain open as normal during planned industrial action.
Please attend your appointment as normal unless you are contacted and told otherwise. We may experience a higher volume of calls and contact from patients making enquiries than usual during these dates, please bear with us and be patient during this time. We apologise for any inconvenience, please be kind to our colleagues when you speak to them.
For more information, including dates of future industrial action, visit: NHS England - Information for the public on industrial action
Here’s 7 ways you can help the NHS:
1. Only call 999 or attend A&E departments for serious accidents and for genuine emergencies.
2. If you are unsure where you should go, NHS 111 can help – search online for “NHS 111” or dial 111 from any phone. This will make sure you are seen in the right place and by the right person.
3. Consider using Urgent Treatment Centres. They can treat injuries including sprains, strains, suspected fractures, bites, cuts, scalds, and other non-life-threatening conditions. Waiting times are usually much shorter than A&E. We have UTCs at:
- Nottingham – The NHS Urgent Care Centre (next to the BBC building) is open every day from 7am-7pm. You don’t need an appointment to attend. Seaton House, London Road, Nottingham, NG2 4LA Tel: 0115 883 8500
- Newark – Newark Hospital is open 9am-10pm (last patient admitted at 9.30pm). It can be found on Boundary Road, NG24 4DE
- Ilkeston Community Hospital – is open 8am – 8pm. It can be found on Heanor Road , Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 8LN. You can book into this service via 111. For other non-urgent cases, when you need medical advice and it’s not an emergency, please speak to your GP practice or a pharmacist.
4. Use the NHS App for access to a wide range of services and information, such as accessing medical records, booking and managing appointments, reviewing medication and ordering prescriptions as well as checking symptoms.
5. Flu and Covid-19 are currently circulating in the community, so stay at home if you have symptoms and get your jabs if you are eligible. More details about how to get your flu and Covid-19 jab can be found here – Flu vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk) and here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/how-to-get-a-coronavirus-vaccine/
6. Members of the public can also help ease pressures by using their local pharmacy. Pharmacies can help with allergies, constipation, headaches, earaches and many other ailments.
7. Anyone who is in mental health distress should call the Mental Health Crisis Line: 0808 196 3779 – the helpline is open 24 hours a day.
Practice Capacity
There may be times when the Practice reaches maximum capacity, therefore meaning we are unable to continue to book urgent on the day appointments for the remainder of the day. This decision to safeguard patients already booked in for appointments will only be made when necessary. Therefore allowing our clinicians to continue to deliver safe and appropriate care.
Under these rare circumstances, patients will not be left without available options for care. Options may include:
- Call the Practice the following working day at 8:00am to check appointment availability
- Visit a pharmacy for advice
- Call NHS 111
- Visit the Urgent Care Centre
- Visit the Emergency Department
For further information on how to access these services, visit: Who To Contact When The Practice Is Closed
CQC Inspection Report - 21st January 2016
OVERALL GOOD
For more information, visit: Castle Healthcare Practice - Care Quality Commission Report
(Site updated 31/05/2023)
For appointments and prescriptions please use the
Online Services link above. Alternatively, just click
here.