06.10.2025 We have made changes to our appointment system and are allowing for more pre-bookable appointments.

• Urgent on the day.
  Every day we have a duty doctor who will aim to deal with clinically urgent medical problems. These appointments will be reserved for patients whose issues cannot wait. 
  
  The duty doctor will be unable to deal with non-urgent or routine/follow-up appointments.
  
  
• Routine / Non-Urgent appointments
  We are asking patients to use the Online Requesting tool to submit their requests. This should be used for all routine requests for appointments or services. This tool replaces the need to call the practice. This tool is open during core hours, 8am to 6:30pm
  Use if you need;
  
  • An appointment or follow-ups with any clinician
  • Medication
  • Administrative items like doctors letters, sick notes (Med3s)
  • or any other information
    What if I cant use the online system or the internet?
    Call the practice as normal. If you are requesting a routine appointment, a member of staff will complete the online form for you. All requests will go through the same system and patients who call not be treated differently to those who submit their request directly online. (unless their request is urgent - the online requesting is NOT for urgent issues)
    
• Extended Access (early mornings, late evenings and even weekends)
  Extended access appointments are now available for a variety of services including GP consultations, dressings, smear tests, phamacist reviews and even menopause clinics.
• These appointments are being offered by our PCN (North West Leicestershire PCN) on a daily basis.
• The available appointments and services change on a weekly basis.
• Appointments are at two of the PCN hubs which are Ashby and Coalville.
  
  Castle Donington Surgery doctors and nurses are also providing extended access appointments from the practice. 

1. If you think your problem or condition is life-threatening call 999.
   
   
2. Not sure what to do? Call NHS 111.
   In Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland there are many places you can go if you urgently need healthcare, but it is not a serious or life-threatening emergency.
   
   If you are unsure of the service you need, or you need immediate medical advice, call 111. You can now also access NHS111 Online.
   
   Depending on the situation, the NHS 111 team can connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist or even a GP, and can arrange face-to-face appointments if they think you need one. NHS 111 advisers can also assess if you need an ambulance and send one immediately.
   
   
3. Call the practice. If you still feel that we are the most suitable source of help please call and speak to a member of the team.

Face to face

Face masks are still encouraged when in the practice for those patients with respiratory or flu-like symptoms.

When booking, please let the member of staff know if you would prefer a telephone or face to face consultation.

Telephone consultations are still appointments

Lots of patients still prefer to consult over the telephone, please let the team know your preference when booking.

Each call is allocated an appointment and there is no such thing as "a quick chat with the doctor" or "it's only a telephone call".

Please arrive as close to your appointment time as possible and use the electronic check-in screen, especially when reception is busy. 

If you arrive late, you may be asked to rebook your appointment.  This may not be the same day due to capacity and room planning.

 Blood tests at Castle Donington Surgery

We have a limited number of blood test appointments available at the practice. 

If you are unable to travel and require a test at the surgery, please call reception to book.

Online booking for other locations

To be seen quicker, we are asking all patients to use the online SwiftQueue system to book appointments at alternative locations such as the Royal Derby Hospital or even Coleman Street Health Centre in the first instance. 

This is especially useful if you require urgent tests.

Click Here to Book Your Blood Test

Within Leicestershire, a dedicated home visiting service (Acute Home Visiting Service) is available to provide care at home to those who need it. They provide vital clinical support to GP practices.

We are happy to provide care at home where appropriate. We understand patients and their carers prefer care to take place in the home rather than in the hospital. 

• We ask for home visit requests to be made before 10:30 am where possible
  
  
• Home visit requests will be reviewed by the duty GP and triaged over the telephone first.
  
  
• Requests may be passed on to our acute home visiting service.

It is important that you inform us if you are unable to attend your appointment, this will allow that appointment to be offered to another patient.

If you fail to notify the practice that you are unable to attend, you may be sent a letter or text message informing you that you have defaulted from your appointment.

Persistent defaulters may be removed from the practice's patient list.

We have a texting service which allows you to receive confirmation and reminders about your appointments.

To have this service you will need to register by completing a consent form.

Please remember to update your contact details with us when you change address, telephone numbers and email address.

Please note. The receipt of a reminder is not guaranteed. Not attending an appointment due to not having a text reminder will not be accepted as a valid excuse.