Latest News
Castle Medical Group - Premises
As a practice we frequently monitor what is happening with building developments in Ashby.
As Ashby grows so does our practice population and as part of our planning, we are continually reviewing what we need to do to maintain our patient services and what we anticipate we will need in the future.
We are keen to develop the premises, but unfortunately as a practice we cannot just make the decision ourselves to expand and this does need official sign off.
Since 2019 we have been going through this process with the landlords and the Integrated Care Board (was Clinical Commissioning Group) and we are working with them to get to a position where our plans are approved.
Ascebi House was designed with expansion in mind and we have an area on the first floor that is an empty void. This space is ready for development and we have plans already drawn up for this to be turned into consulting and admin space, which have been agreed with the landlord (please see plans, still subject to change).
In addition to this the landlords have purchased the area of land between the practice and Springfields. The intention is that this will be turned into car parking in the future too (please see plans, still subject to change).
At this stage we don’t have timescales for when this work will start, but we are really excited about what we have planned and how this will allow us to expand our services.
Once we have more information about when work can start, we will share updates.
Gluten-Free Foods Prescribing
The prescribing of gluten-free foods in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) is ending from 1st February 2025.
The LLR Integrated Care Board (ICB), the organisation that plans local NHS services, took the decision at its meeting on 12th December 2024, following a lengthy consultation process including discussions with patient representative groups and clinicians including GPs, dietitians and pharmacists.
You can read more about the changes on the local NHS website: Gluten-free foods prescribing - LLR ICB
Where you can find out more
For further information about the changes to the prescribing of Gluten-free products and the support available please visit the local NHS website: Gluten-free foods prescribing - LLR ICB
In addition to find out more about Coeliac Disease and how to manage symptoms, please visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coeliac-disease/www.nhs.uk/conditions/Coeliac-disease
There is a lot of information on the Coeliac UK website at www.coeliac.org.uk that you can access if you want advice about your diet including:
- Home of Gluten free recipes
- Diet and health workshops
- Food and drink information
- Gluten-free food on a budget
The Association of UK Dietitians also have a range of support and information - www.bda.uk.com/resource/coeliac-disease-and-Gluten-free-diet.html
The BBC Good Food website also contains top 10 tips for a gluten free diet: www.bbcgoodfood.com/health/special-diets/top-10-tips-gluten-free-diet
Patient Webinars are also available to view on Overview of Coeliac Disease - patientwebinars.co.uk
There is local advice and support available on the cost of living from local authorities:
- Leicester City Council - Household support fund
- Leicestershire County Council - Cost of living support
- Rutland County Council - Cost of living support
If you require specific advice, please ask your GP if you can be referred to a dietitian. If you have a general enquiry about the changes, you can:
- Email: llricb-llr.beinvolved@nhs.net
- Telephone: 0116 295 3405
- Write: Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board, Room G30, Pen Lloyd Building, Leicestershire County Council, Leicester Road, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8TB
Appointment Changes - from 28th October 2024
There is nothing more important to us than you, our patients.
We have made the difficult decision to restrict the number of patients that we will be able to see during our sit and wait and duty doctor clinics. Please see our 'Appointments' page for more information.
This is to ensure that we are not putting your safety at risk as this is important to us.
We appreciate that this may mean that you are diverted to another service or find it harder to get the appointment you need.
Please be kind to our team and we ask for your support with this.
The reason we are doing this is...
No matter how many hours we work, we still can't see all the patients that need our care.
We believe GP practices deserve more funding, so we can expand our team, deliver the services you require and make it easier for you to get an appointment.
Please find below some simple facts:
GP practice funding has reduced over the last 5 years by £660 million.
We get £107.57 per patient per year, equates to 30p per day (less than the cost of an apple).
Please find below some simple facts:
- There are 6 million more patients on the books
- GPs carry out 400 million annual appointments
- 90% of NHS contact is primary care
If you would like more information on how you can support us, please visit:
www.rebuildgp.co.uk/for-our-patients
Retirement of Dr John Addison
It is with delight and a contrasting tinge of sadness that I announce that I will be retiring from my position as GP at Castle Medical Group (formerly Ashby Health Centre) at the end of January 2025.
I first came to Ashby as a GP Trainee (now called a GP Registrar) in February 1997 so almost 28 years later, to the day, I will conclude my time with the Practice.
I have worked with some great doctors, nurses, health care assistants, practice managers and all the other staff that have worked for the Practice or who have been associated with the Practice.
Over the years I have met many lovely patients and you have allowed me into your lives which has been a privilege.
The NHS has changed considerably during my career as computers have taken over, something I have embraced and supported but I feel that now is the time to hang up my stethoscope and move on to the next phase of my life.
I will not be disappearing though as I am a member of Gresley Male Voice Choir, we perform many concerts each year raising money for charity. It’s been a great part of my life for the last 10 years and something I will continue to enjoy. Look us up on Facebook and come and see us…or join us.
I live locally so you might still see me walking my dogs but please don’t ask me about anything medical!
Dr John Addison (GP Partner)
Patient Newsletters
We like to keep our patients up to date with current news from the practice.
You can view the most recent copies of the Castle Medical Group Newsletter by clicking on the links below:
Federation Newsletters
You can view the most recent copies of the NWL GP Federation Newsletter by clicking on the links below:
One Patient, One Problem, One Appointment
To ensure that we provide a good quality experience for our patients, we ask that when you book an appointment it is for one problem only. This also applies to our 'sit and wait' service.
If you need to discuss a second problem, please book an additional appointment. This will help us to be able to give you adequate time to discuss your problem and consult safely with you.
Call us on: 01530 414131