Appointments

How to access an appointment

We’re introducing a new way to access appointments, via total triage (online consulting).

Our new appointment system will help us;

Ensure urgent problems are seen quickly
Improve continuity and fairness
Ensure every patient gets the right care, first time
Help reduce waiting times and missed appointments

Please follow the guidelines below and choose the right service.

Pharmacy First - Your Go-To for Quick Healthcare

What is Pharmacy First?

Pharmacy First is an NHS initiative that makes it easy for you to get healthcare advice and treatment for common conditions through your local pharmacy. No need for a GP appointment or prescription for issues like:

Sinusitis
Sore throats
Earaches
Infected insect bites
Impetigo
Shingles
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women

How Can Pharmacy First Help?

Pharmacy First provides prompt treatment and advice for these common conditions. Pharmacists might offer over-the-counter or prescription medications based on your needs, and all consultations are private. You can also be referred by NHS services like NHS 111 or your GP.

Additional Support from Pharmacies

Minor Ailments: Pharmacists can help with a variety of everyday health issues such as colds, flu, aches, pains, rashes, and cystitis. They can also assist with emergency contraception, pregnancy tests, and needle exchange services. No appointment is needed, and they will refer you to a doctor if necessary.
Medication Advice: Pharmacists are experts in safely using medicines. If you have questions about your prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs, they can provide guidance. For new long-term medications, the New Medicine Service offers ongoing support. If you take multiple medicines, the Medicines Use Review (MUR) can help ensure you’re using them correctly.
Repeat Prescriptions: Pharmacists can manage your repeat prescriptions, saving you a visit to the GP if your condition is stable. If any issues arise with your medication, your pharmacist can consult with your GP on your behalf.
Healthy Living Advice: Pharmacies can support your overall health by offering advice on diet, exercise, and smoking cessation. They provide nicotine replacement therapies and regular check-ins to help you quit smoking and stay healthy.

Pharmacy First is here to make getting the care you need simpler and faster.

Total Triage - Online consulting

Castle Medical Centre is moving to a Total Triage appointment system from November 2025 to help you get the right care more quickly and fairly. Total Triage means every request for an appointment or medical advice will be triaged first by our clinical team.

We will assess your needs and direct you to the most appropriate care – which might be;

An urgent same-day appointment with a member of our clinical team (face-to-face or telephone)
A priority appointment within 3 working days
A prebooked routine appointment
Advice from a pharmacist of another service
Self-care guidance
A follow-up or referral as needed

Where possible, submit your triage request as soon as you, this will allow us to prioritise patients appropriately, helping us achieve our aim of ensuring urgent patients get seen quickly.

Call the Practice

If you’re unable to submit a triage request, our reception team are able to help. They will ask the same questions that appear on our online form and submit a request on your behalf, this will then be triaged by a member of our clinical team.

Telephone: 01926 857 331

We have a variety of clinicians working at Castle Medical Centre, tell us what you need and we’ll find the best way to help you.

Doctor

Doctor Competencies:

• Dementia • Dermatology • Eating Disorders • Men and Women’s health

• Elderly care/Frailty • Family planning • Learning Disability • Neurology

• Mental Health • Minor Surgery • Musculoskeletal • Skin lesions

• Ring pessaries

Advanced Clinical Practitioner

Advanced Clinical Practitioner Competencies:

• Abdominal pain • Acne • Allergic Reactions • Arthritis

• Cellulitis • Constipation • Chronic joint pain • Diarrhoea

• Vomiting • Eczema • Headaches • Migraines

• Ring pessaries • Hernia • Lumps and bumps • Mental Health

• Sprains/Strains • Bruising

First Contact Physiotherapist

Face to face and telephone appointments available in advance.

First Contact Physiotherapist Competencies:

• Back and neck pain • Joint aches/pains • Arthritis

• Assess and diagnose

Nursing Team

Variety of appointments all available in advance.

Nursing Team Competencies:

• Dressings • Chronis disease reviews (Diabetes, Asthma, COPD)

• Cervical Smears • Ear Checks • Adult and Child Vaccinations • Contraception

• HRT • Warfarin monitoring • Wound care • Travel Vaccinations

Cancelling your appointment

Please make every effort to attend your appointment. If you are unable to attend, please cancel it as soon as possible.

Cancelling your appointment

Cancelling your appointment helps us to utilise every appointment available, meaning patients being seen quicker and it helps to avoid a significant waste of NHS resources and is much appreciated.

Appointments can be cancelled

Using online services
Using our form below
Follow the instructions on your appointment reminder text and reply
Telephone the surgery (01926 857331) press 1 to cancel or check the time of your appointment.

Extended Access

Castle Medical Centre offers appointments in Extended Access twice per week.

Extended Access

Extended Access Clinics as follows

Monday evenings 18:30 – 21:00
Saturdays on an ad hoc basis for pre booked appointments only 09:00 – 12:00

There are GP and Nurse appointments available during the out of hours sessions above.

To book an appointment in one of our extended access clinics please telephone reception or send in an online request

Home Visits

Please remember that several patients can be seen at the surgery in the time that it takes to do a home visit. There are also better facilities for examining and treating patient at the practice.

Who can request a Home Visit?

Home visits are generally made in emergencies but people who may be eligible for a home visit are;

Patients with urgent medical problems, who are too ill to leave home.
Terminally ill patients.
Housebound patients who never leave home and have chronic conditions that require monitoring.

Who will be visiting you?

GP
Paramedic visiting service

If you require a home visit, contact the practice at your soonest convivence, ideally before 10.30am. We may telephone you to assess your problem in more detail before visiting.

Who do I see?