Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a request to my Practice?

To make a request to your Practice select the service that you require.

You will be prompted for information about your request. When you complete a request this will be sent to your practice. The system acknowledges that your request has been sent and will let you know what happens next.

The Practice handles the requests during their normal working day, i.e. if you send a request on Friday pm the Practice won’t normally see it until Monday morning.

How do I receive the responses from the Practice?

On some services, such as Ask the Practice a question and Ask the Doctor a question once the Practice has processed your request they will send you a response. This response will be sent to the email address that you have given in the form.

For security purposes the email will ask that you verify your identification. Once you have completed this the message from the surgery will be shown for you to read.

Security of your information

This service always uses fully encrypted connections, the same security as used in internet banking. If you look at the right of the address bar, you will see a small padlock icon. This indicates that you are using a secure link and that your data is encrypted.

As an additional measure your information is held encrypted until the practice need to view it. It is then sent to the practice still encrypted and only converted to readable text at the practice.

Tracking users

We track how you use our Digital Practice but we don’t collect or store your personal information (e.g. your name or address) while you’re browsing. This means that you can’t be personally identified. We use Google Analytics software to track:

The pages you visit

How long you use the site

How you got to the site and what links you clicked on.

We haven’t given Google permission to share this data with anyone else.

How is the Digital Practice updated?

We are continuously working on this site to make sure that the information is accurate and up to date. The digital practice is also continuously updated based on the results of user testing, feedback from members of the public and from your practice and other practices who are using this system.

Suggestions for improvement of the Digital Practice

We are always looking for ways to improve this service and would welcome your suggestions. Please send your comments to suggestions@siliconpractice.co.uk

Links to external sites

Digital Practice links to external organisations when that service is essential for helping a patient complete a task or when helping patients find a service.

News

COVID-19 Sick Note Requests
- New
30/03/2020
From 20th March 2020, NHS 111 now have the facility for patients to obtain an official isolation note to give to their employers instead of a sick note (MED3). If you need an isolation note, please follow the link below and also read the letter from Read more
Covid-19 High Risk Letter
- New
30/03/2020
Please see below for a copy of the letter being sent out by NHS England to all patients identified as high risk. Unfortunately the process to identify patients has not been completely accurate and has resulted in patients being included who should Read more
Rescue Packs False Information
- New
26/03/2020
We have been made aware of some inaccurate information circulating regarding special ‘rescue packs’ for patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Please do not contact you Read more
Changes to Repeat Prescriptions
- New
26/03/2020
Please be advised that we will only issue repeat prescriptions for 28 days ahead. This is to prevent stockpiling which will destabilise the medication supply chain and cause many patients not to be able to get the drugs they need. If you request m Read more
Social Distancing Guidance
- New
23/03/2020
Please view the below guidance from .gov.uk on social distancing Guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK Read more
COVID-19 Sick Note Requests
- New
19/03/2020
Read more
COVID-19 Sick Note Requests
- New
19/03/2020
Read more
Coronavirus Update
- New
17/03/2020
The NHS across Suffolk and north east Essex will be better prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases if the public follows Public Health England advice. We have put in place measures to ensure the safety of patients and staff which may mea Read more
Important Coronavirus Update
- New
13/03/2020
From Monday 16th March the Colchester Medical Practice has made the decision to suspend Open Access Surgery in the mornings Instead patients should telephone between 8.00am and 10.00am to book a telephone consultation with a clinician in light of Read more
Self Care Week 2019 (16th-24th November)
20/11/2019
Hay Fever
13/08/2019

Castle Gardens Medical Centre

CQC Inspected and Rated
Good

We are currently OPEN.

Castle Gardens Medical Centre

News

Castle Gardens Medical Centre

CQC Inspected and RatedGood

We are currently OPEN.

Digital Practice Help

Make online requests to your GP Practice such as:

Submit self-monitoring health reviews (if requested by the doctor or nurse):

Find the forms that you need:

Give feedback to the Practice:

Get advice on common conditions:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a request to my Practice?

How do I receive the responses from the Practice?

Security of your information

Tracking users

How is the Digital Practice updated?

Suggestions for improvement of the Digital Practice

Links to external sites

Castle Gardens Medical Centre

News

CQC Inspected and Rated
Good

Submit self-monitoring health reviews
(if requested by the doctor or nurse):