Castle Healthcare Practice

19/03/2026

⛔ Meningitis Outbreak – Information for Patients ⛔

Cases of invasive meningococcal disease have been confirmed in Kent. It's important to know the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia.

Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but is a serious illness caused by meningococcal bacteria, which can lead to meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning).

The onset of illness is often sudden, and early diagnosis and treatment are vital.

What are the symptoms to look out for?
Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can include:
- a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
- sudden onset of high fever
- severe and worsening headache
- stiff neck
- vomiting and diarrhoea
- joint and muscle pain
- dislike of bright lights
- very cold hands and feet
- seizures
- confusion or delirium
- extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking.

If you or someone you know develops symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia, seek medical help urgently by going to the nearest Accident and Emergency department or calling 999.

Please note we are only able to offer the Men B vaccine to children under the age of 2. We are unable to offer the Meningitis Vaccine privately.

Unsure if you or your child has had the MenACWY Vaccine?
Read the below information:
1. Vaccination History
- Your vaccination history should be available on the NHS App if you have access to your medical record.
- Please check the NHS App to confirm you are up to date with your vaccines.
2. Children Under 10 – Vaccination Queries
- If your child is under 10 and you are concerned they may not have received all of their routine vaccinations, please submit an admin request via our website asking us to check their records.
2. MenACWY Vaccine (Teenagers)
- If you are secondary school aged and missed your MenACWY vaccine (usually given around age 13), you should arrange to catch up.
- Contact the Nottinghamshire School Aged Immunisation Service:
- Phone: 03333 583 397 (Option 4)
- Email: Immunisations.Nottinghamshire@intrahealth.co.uk
3. If You Are Worried About Exposure
- If you think you may have been in contact with someone linked to the outbreak, visit: https://www.kentandmedway.icb.nhs.uk/news/meningitis-outbreak-in-the-canterbury-area-4187/

For more information, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

06/03/2026

If you would like more information, visit: www.yourhealthnotts.co.uk

You can also find support and advice on a range of health conditions on our website: https://www.castlehealthcarepractice.nhs.uk/patient-help/health-conditions-patient-advice/

03/03/2026

For more information on Carers Roadshows, visit: https://www.carersspacenotts.com/roadshows.html

For information from the Practice on support available to carers, visit: https://www.castlehealthcarepractice.nhs.uk/patient-help/are-you-a-carer/

25/02/2026

Linda and Joe from our Patient Participation Group joined the fantastic Rushcliffe Social Prescribing drop in session yesterday!

If you would like to know more about Social Prescribing, visit: https://www.rushcliffehealth.org/rushcliffe-social-prescribing

16/02/2026

⛔Patient Information⛔
There is currently renovation work being carried out on a wall at the front of our building.
While this work is being completed, one set of stairs leading to the front entrance will be out of order.
The set of stairs that faces Wilford Lane will remain in operation and there is signage in place directing patients to this route.
Step free access to the building will remain available.
We anticipate this work to be completed within a week.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

12/02/2026

For more information, visit: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/health-and-wellbeing/health-protection-hub/vaccinations/children/sais-clinics

11/02/2026

For more information on Social Prescribing, visit: https://www.rushcliffehealth.org/directories

To book your place, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/drop-in-wellbeing-support-at-castle-healthcare-and-musters-medical-practice-tickets-1982770993416?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/02/2026

It’s National HIV Testing Week! Take a few minutes to order your free test kit – it’s quick, simple, and can be done at home. Testing is the only way to know your HIV status, and now’s the perfect time to test.

Get your FREE test now: https://notts-hivtestweek.sh.uk/

Or call 0300 131 7010 to book an appointment at Sexual Health Services Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

06/02/2026

For more information, visit: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/family-hub-networks

05/02/2026

Common illnesses such as coughs, ear ache and sore throats don’t usually need treating with antibiotics, and you will get better without taking unnecessary medication.

In fact, antibiotics are no longer routinely used to treat most infections, because:
- Many infections in children are caused by viruses, so antibiotics are not effective
- Antibiotics are often unlikely to speed up the healing process
- Antibiotics can cause unwanted side effects for your child, such as rash and diarrhoea
- The more often antibiotics are used to treat minor conditions, the more likely they are to become ineffective for treating more serious conditions

For more information, visit: https://www.healthynottingham.co.uk/fightvirusesright/

23/12/2025

16/12/2025

📅 DNA (did not attend) figures for November 2025:

😓 138 Appointments were missed.
😓 2188 minutes of clinicians’ time was lost.
😓 Approximately £4,140 to the NHS was lost.

We would like to remind our patients to please attend any booked appointments on time. If you are unable to attend, you can cancel/rebook your appointment by:
☎️ Contacting Reception - 0115 883 2626
📱 Using the SMS cancel appointment option if you have appointment reminders via text
💻 Using Online Services

If you need to cancel or rebook an appointment, please give at least 24 hours notice, as this can allow other patients to use that appointment time instead which helps during busy periods.

🏰 Thank You 🏰