Castlegate and Derwent Surgery

28/03/2026

A sore throat is very common and often caused by viral infections, which usually get better on their own within a week. Through NHS Pharmacy First, participating pharmacies can assess sore throat symptoms, offer advice on managing pain and discomfort, and in some cases provide treatment if it’s appropriate. Available age 5 years plus.

Visiting your local pharmacy can be a good first step if your sore throat is mild to moderate, you don’t feel seriously unwell, and symptoms have been present for a short time. Pharmacists can also help identify when symptoms may need further assessment and advise if you should contact your GP or another service.

If your sore throat is severe, lasts longer than a week, is accompanied by a high fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or you feel very unwell, it’s important to seek further medical advice.

Includes: Mild viral or bacterial sore throats in otherwise healthy adults and children.

Does not include: Severe infections, difficulty breathing/swallowing, persistent fever, or symptoms in children under 5 years.

💙💚

23/03/2026

‼️UPDATE: 12:45pm. Normal service resumed 👍 thank you for your patience.

🚫 Systems are down. Please bear with us whilst this is investigated, this is a national outage.
We advise patients call us later in the day.
Thank you

22/03/2026

Our local pharmacies could be your first point of call when you are feeling unwell. 🤒

If you have any of the conditions below and fall into the age category your pharmacy can help. 👇

Not all conditions require you to see a GP. We are trying to raise awareness to our patients that alternative help is available. Visit your local pharmacist who can provide advice, treat and prescribe.
👍 This may result in you getting seen sooner.

If you are unsure if you fit the criteria you can pop into your local pharmacy or call us and we can refer you to your pharmacy of choice.

We are working with our local pharmacy’s to offer this service that helps reduce the pressure for GP appointments.
In the words of a popular supermarket ‘every little helps’ 😊 leaving GP appointments for the more complex and in need patients of Cockermouth.

Allisons Chemist Castlegate Pharmacy, Cockermouth Health Centre Boots Cockermouth

19/03/2026

You may have seen national coverage about an increase in cases of Meningitis in the south of the country. We understand this may be worrying and you feel concerned as a result. Meningitis vaccines are already part of the NHS routine immunisation schedule. If you or your child are up to date, you will already have protection against several common types.

Targeted vaccination programmes may be introduced in specific areas, but at present there are no additional vaccines available outside of national guidance.

People directly affected by the outbreak in Kent are being pro-actively contacted by the Health Security Agency. National guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease-confirmed-in-kent

If you are experiencing symptoms of meningitis we strongly advise you to seek medical attention promptly. So it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms, as without urgent treatment meningitis can become life-threatening very quickly. A tell-tale rash is one of the signs to look out for - though it may not appear in the early stages, or at all.

⚠️Symptoms to be aware of: High fever, severe headache, vomiting, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, drowsiness or confusion, and a rash that does not fade when pressed (non-blanching). Babies may show different signs such as unusual crying, difficulty waking, or cold hands and feet.

🚨If you think someone may have meningitis, seek urgent medical help immediately. Early treatment is vital. Anyone with symptoms should contact NHS 111 or, in an emergency, dial 999.

🛡️Help reduce risk by keeping vaccinations up to date, washing hands regularly, and avoiding sharing drinks or utensils.

💉 Your current vaccination statuses may be available through your NHS App.

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

💙💚

18/03/2026

😊 Thank you! Today one of our lovely patients, Laura visited our reception to drop off some gorgeous chocolates and a card for all the staff at the surgery.
‘Thank you for all you do. Your work is very much appreciated’

This is so kind and very much appreciated 🥰 our staff are working hard to keep the services running smoothly for our patient’s and this thank you means the world.

18/03/2026

📣 Cockermouth Residents & visitors it’s time to have your say! Cockermouth Town event this weekend.

Come along to the Visioning Day between 10am and 2pm on Saturday 21 March at Cockermouth URC on Main Street.
If you can’t come along but would like us to let you know about the next opportunity to share your views, please email our steering group on cclp@cockermouth.org

18/03/2026

16/03/2026

🏥Visiting our surgery for your appointment- Our Reception desk

👩‍💻Our Reception team are here to help, they are a fountain of knowledge and if they do not know the answer they will do their very best to find out for you.

When visiting our surgery and wish to speak to one of our Reception team we ask you to please respect other patient’s confidentiality and wait in the queue until you are called forward. We have a sign and floor marking indicating where to wait in the queue. Our staff will call you forward when it is your turn.

At the reception desk you can get the following information:
✅Check in for your appointment- we do encourage you to use the check in screens first.
🧪Collect a sample bottle- help yourself
📱 Complete a triage form to request an appointment- our team can help or we have an IPad for patients to use.
📆Make an appointment
📤Collect a document,

Check out our wall display of information leaflets, you may find what you are looking for on there.

💙💛💚 Please treat our staff with respect, be patient and remember they are trying their best to assist you. They can only offer appointments that we have available to book on the system and by asking triage questions they can get you to the correct clinician or service.

Thank you 🙏

13/03/2026

🚧 Roadworks in Cockermouth – Starting Monday 16th March for 3 weeks.
Patients travelling to our surgery via Kirkgate on Monday may experience delays due to roadworks taking place in parts of Cockermouth, including Lorton Street, Station Road and Gote Brow.
Traffic in the town centre may be slower than usual, particularly around the Kirkgate / Market Place area.

🚗 If you are attending an appointment:
🕐Please allow extra time for your journey
➡️Follow any diversion signs in place. If possible, avoid travelling via Lorton Street or Station Road.
🚶‍♀️Pedestrian access is unaffected

Details can be viewed here a location plan clearly showing these extents can be found on one.network via link https://one.network/?tm=GB148001791

Thank you and give yourself a little extra travel time.

13/03/2026

👍Thank you to our patients who completed a Friends and Family test in February.

💙88% said they would recommend the practice to Friends and family and rating us Very good or good.

We appreciate your feedback 😊 here are a few snippets:

👍 The GP was very efficient and thorough, his manner was very pleasant and friendly and I felt at ease. Follow up was arranged promptly and I was very impressed.

👍I needed further clarification on a form I needed to complete. The lady on reception was excellent at helping me get the correct documentation and advice on what to do next. The whole process was brilliant. Turnaround in less than 20 mins, she is an asset to the surgery and incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and kind. Thank you for a great experience. It is greatly appreciated.

👍The GP I saw today was the most accommodating and professional practitioner. He takes the time to ensure you fully understand your situation- Brilliant!

👍 Had bloods taken today, The nurse was pleasant and professional, appointment was on time and I had no problems getting this booked.

13/03/2026

🚭 Is it time to quit Smoking?

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and it’s never too late to start.

Why not start your journey towards a healthier you today… 💙💚

Help is available from our local council
https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/health-and-wellbeing/find-support-and-help-give-smoking

12/03/2026

🚌 🏥 Great news for those needing to travel to West Cumberland Hospital and the Cumberland Infirmary.

Cumberland Council have introduced a new and enhanced 600 hospital route connecting Carlisle - Cumberland Infirmary – Wigton – Cockermouth – Whitehaven – West Cumberland Hospital, seven‑days a week.
The timetable has been developed around clinic schedules, visiting hours and NHS staff shift patterns.

With the £3 fare cap in place, the route gives residents, especially those in rural areas, a more affordable and dependable way to travel for care, work or visiting loved ones.

Full timetables are available at www.cumberland.gov.uk/bus-timetables.