Noticeboard

Please call 111 if you need emergency medical attention

If you need medical help between the hours of 6.30pm and 8am there are many services in place to treat people who urgently need healthcare, but it isn’t a serious or life threatening emergency.

If you are unsure of the service you need, or need immediate medical advice you should call NHS 111. They can give you advice and if you need to speak directly to a health care professional then they are available on the other end of the phone, whatever the time of day or night.

Walk in services are also available at Loughborough Urgent Care Centre.

If you do need to go to the emergency department, please think about if you can manage to get there using your own transport, or a taxi. Ambulances in the area will always prioritise the most serious cases first, so if your condition is not serious or life threatening and it’s safe to do so, we would recommend seeing if you can get family or friends to help you get to the emergency department. If you’re not sure, ring NHS 111 and they will advise you.

Latest News

**The surgery will be closed on Thursday 21st March from 1:00pm.  We will re-open on Friday 22nd March at 8:00am.  In an emergency between 1:00 & 6:30pm please call:  0300 3230671.  After 6:30pm please call 111**

**The Surgery will be closed at Easter on Friday 29th March and Monday 1st April.  In an emergency please call: 111**

 **New support group for people with long-term conditionsClick here for more information**  

OpCommunity:  OpCommunity is a telephone line for the armed forces community (including veterans, reservists, serving personnel, families and the wider armed forces community) to offer support and guidance around navigating NHS services and advice regarding other services that can support with issues.  Call the support line on:  0116 225 6858.  The line is open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm (excluding Bank Holidays).

**FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT & HOW TO SELF-REFER - Please see the guide in "Further Information"**

Calling all Patients:

We are actively recruiting patients to be part of our PPG (Patient Participation Group) and to help shape the future of your healthcare at both our Hinckley and Stoke Golding Sites.

If you are interested, please send an email to Practice Manager Nick Cameron at Castlemead.medicalcentre@nhs.net

Improved Patient Communication

As well as developing this newsletter we have now set up a Facebook site for the surgery where we will regularly post updates and news items.

Our Facebook address is Castle Mead Medical Centre and Pine Close Surgery. Please like our page and keep informed.

FACE COVERINGS - UPDATE 01/01/2024

During a recent update from NHS England in November 2023 we have been advised to continue with current Covid-19 protocols surrounding the use of facemasks in an attempt to reduce winter infections which include Covid-19 and flu.

We will continue to review. Thank you in advance for your co-operation over this matter.

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We are unable to issue Covid-19 Vaccination certificates at the practice. Please see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-vaccination-status-when-travelling-abroad for further information.

Proof of your vaccination status will be available on the NHS App, which is also valuable for accessing your health records and ordering repeat prescriptions

Alternatively you can call the NHS helpline on 119 (from 17 May) and ask for a letter to be posted to you. This must be at least 5 days after you’ve completed your course of the vaccine, the letter may to take up to 5 days to reach you.

** Dail A Ride are happy to facilitate patients who may need to travel for their COVID Vaccinations and do not have transport please ring their number 01455 250462 to enquire**

 ** GET HELP NOW if you are thinking about suicide or going through a personal crisis there is help available, you don't need to face these thoughts and feelings alone https://www.startaconversation.co.uk/get-help-now**

 
Call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergencyNHS ChoicesThis site is brought to you by My Surgery Website