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

www.bma.org.uk/gpsonyourside

https://youtu.be/Tds7ML2OfY8

Grow a moustache

If there is one thing 'The Order of Mo' is known for, it's this... Growing a moustache is a symbol for better men's health. It also grabs attention and starts important conversations. So, why not give it a go - it shows the world you stand for healthier men and a healthier world. 

Men’s health is in crisis. Men are dying on average 4.5 years earlier than women, and for largely preventable reasons.

A growing number of men – around 10.8M globally – are facing life with a prostate cancer diagnosis. Globally, testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men. And across the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day, with males accounting for 69% of all suicides.

Movember is uniquely placed to address this crisis on a global scale. We fund groundbreaking projects all over the world, engaging men where they are to understand what works best and accelerate change.

You can find out more about Movember by visiting the website: 

https://uk.movember.com/support-us/grow

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)

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: 

November 2024

October 2024

August 2024

You can view the most recent copies of the NWL GP Federation Newsletter by clicking on the links below:

October 2024

April 2024

January 2024

We have sent out 500 invitations via text to a random group of patients inviting them to partake in this study being co-ordinated by the University of Sheffield. 

The SELF-FRAX Study

This research is studying 'Osteoporosis'. A disease that causes a weakening of bones making them break (fracture) more easily. 

The SELF-FRAX study aims to raise awareness of fracture risk factors and improve osteoporosis care.

This is an online study (however paper-based participation is also possible). You will not need to attend any GP or hospital appointments. 

If you would like more information or to receive paper-based study documents through the post, please contact:

The Bone Research Team

Phone: 0114 215 9697

Email: m.a.paggiosi@sheffield.ac.uk

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

On Sunday 13th October 2024, our very own Dr Tharj Manickavasagar took part in the Run Leicester Festival, half marathon in aid of 'Open Hands'.

Open Hands Trust are a local charity who meet the practical needs of people supporting them through a journey of responsibility towards independence and employment.

If you would like to find out more about the charity, please visit their website: 

Open Hands - Leicester City of Sanctuary

It's not too late to support Dr Tharj with his challenge, you can donate by following the link: https://tinyurl.com/bdzkta78

Dr Tharj successfully completed the half marathon in a time of 2hr 30, and raised in excess of £350 for his chosen charity. Congratulations Dr Tharj! 

We are very proud to announce that Castle Medical Group have been accredited by the Royal College of General Practitioners as an Active Practice. 

What is an Active Practice?

A declaration to commit to increasing activity and reducing sedentary behaviour in both staff and patients. The Active Practice Charter is a fun and easy way to make some simple but impactful changes that will demonstrate that 'movement is the best medicine'. 

Some examples include:

• Promotion of events and local fitness groups
• Cycle to your appointment, we have bicycle racks
• Clinicians to greet patients and turn off call screens on a regular basis
• Standing area for patients in the waiting room

You can visit the 'Active Together - Active Practice' website to find out more information:

Active Practice

Let's get moving! 

Pregnant Ladies Flu vaccines have commenced. (Please contact us if you haven't received your invitation). 

Child Nasal Flu (Age 2-3) will begin mid-September.

Our Flu vaccinations will begin on 3rd October for all other eligible groups.

Invitations to book your appointment will be sent out in the next few weeks via text message with a link to book your slot. 

Please ensure we have your up to date mobile number. You can update this via the NHS app, or by emailing us at: 

castlemedicalgroup.noreply@nhs.net

All patients without a mobile number will be contacted by landline to book an appointment. 

RSV stands for - Respiratory Syncytial Virus 

As from the 1st September patients aged from 75 and up to the day before their 80th birthday are eligible for the RSV vaccine as are pregnant women from Week 28.

We are sending out invitations with a text link to book where possible over the next few weeks. You can find out more by visiting: 

RSV Vaccination Information - Age 75-80

RSV Vaccination Information - Pregnancy