Getting to the Surgery - or Avoiding Unnecessary Journeys
As Castle Healthcare Practice is located only 1.1 miles from the centre of West Bridgford we encourage staff and patients to walk, cycle or use public transport to get to the surgery whenever possible.
Public Transport
The surgery is well served by public transport with bus stops close to the main entrance. The Practice has partially funded the Local Link buses (LL22 & LL23) which regularly pick up and drop off at various locations around West Bridgford, including the surgery.
For all local bus timetables please follow the links below.
https://bustimes.org/operators/nottingham-community-transport
or
https://www.nctx.co.uk/plan-a-journey/journey-planner/
Walking
We encourage our staff and our patients to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Getting enough exercise means a stronger, fitter you and is good for your body and your mind too. Making small changes now can improve your health right away. By walking to the surgery, your visit can become part of your exercise plan and at the same time help to save the environment.
Castle Healthcare Practice is a gentle 20 minute walk from Central Avenue or a 15 minute walk from the Meadows along the river and over the suspension bridge. The surgery has a ramp at the main entrance and automatic opening doors to the waiting area to allow for wheelchair access. There is also a lift to the first and second floors.
To promote the benefits of walking, every Tuesday morning our group leave the premises at 10.30 and 11.30 for short walks around the area. These are supervised by a qualified walking leader and all patients are welcome. Please see our PPG Virtual Group page for more information.
For local walking routes please follow the link below http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/planning-and-environment/walking-cycling-and-rights-of-way/walking
Cycling
Cycling to the practice is another excellent way to improve your health and fitness. There are dedicated cycle stands located in the undercroft area of the car park. Please bring your own padlock.
For local cycle routes, please follow the link below
http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/planning-and-environment/walking-cycling-and-rights-of-way/cycling
Car Share
Planning your visit to the surgery ahead of time could enable you to car-share, or you may wish to combine your visit with a trip elsewhere, to save both time and fuel.
All of our staff are encouraged to car-share with colleagues where possible. This helps reduce the negative impact of car pollution on the environment and helps keep parking spaces free for patients who may not be able to travel by alternative means.
Ways to Think About Avoiding Journeys to the Surgery Altogether
There are several ways that you may be able to avoid travelling to the surgery at all saving both your time and our resources such as:-
Using our On-Line services – (Open 24 Hours a Day - 7 Days a Week)
Signing up for our On-line Services is very simple and quick.
Simply bring along some form of photographic ID to reception or ask one of our staff who knows you well to vouch for you. You will then be provided with a user name and password so that you can:
- BOOK GP APPOINTMENTS (AND CANCEL GP APPOINTMENTS)
- ORDER REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS
- UPDATE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS
- ACCESS YOUR SUMMARY CARE RECORD
- RECEIVE TEXT MESSAGES AND APPOINTMENT REMINDERS
Signing Up for the Electronic Prescribing Service
This service helps to avoid unnecessary journeys to the surgery you may have made in the past to request and collect your prescription.
By signing up to the Electronic Prescribing Service (EPS) you simply deal directly with your pharmacy who will do the leg work for you.
They will request your medication from us on your behalf, dispense it and have it ready for you collect without you needing to visit the surgery at all.
The service is speedy and accurate and your prescription is tracked at all stages.
Please talk to your pharmacist for more information about this service or follow the link below:
https://digital.nhs.uk/Electronic-Prescription-Service