Portcullis Surgery

26/09/2025

Did you know that you can send us an online message for non-urgent medical advice at anytime 24 hours a day and 7 days a week?
Send us an online message for advice on https://florey.accurx.com/p/M82043

Online messages will be read by a member of the team within 2 working days.

The picture below explains the three main healthcare options available depending on the urgency of your medical need:

Routine Appointment (Green section)
For general or non-urgent concerns, the first step is to send an online message through the link provided: https://florey.accurx.com/p/M82043 This is the most efficient way to request advice, book a routine appointment, or manage ongoing care.

Urgent GP or MIU Appointment (Yellow section)

If your problem is urgent but not life-threatening, you should call the practice directly on 01584 872939. A receptionist will add you to the Duty Clinician Call Back List, ensuring you are contacted promptly. Alternatively, you can go to the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Ludlow Hospital for minor injuries such as cuts, burns, or sprains.

Emergency Care (Orange section)
For emergency or life-threatening illnesses or injuries, you must go straight to the hospital’s emergency department where immediate care is available or call 999.

This clear structure helps you choose the right healthcare option, ensuring that urgent and emergency cases are prioritized while routine queries are efficiently managed online.

For more information about appointments at Portcullis Surgery please visit our website

https://www.portcullis-surgery.co.uk/practice-information/appointments/

18/09/2025

A Reminder that our lovely advanced Paramedic Sian will be attending the Mayor's Charity Market today. Come down to get your blood pressure checked and to get information about screening programmes!

Portcullis practice believes in taking proactive steps to reduce health inequalities in our community. We have been invited to join the Mayor’s Charity Market, on Thursday 18th September. Sian our Advanced Paramedic will be there all morning (9-12.30am) where she will be offering free blood pressure checks and raising awareness about the importance of regular health screening.

By being present in a community setting, the practice aims to reach people who may not routinely access healthcare services, including those who are not currently registered with a GP.

This initiative ensures that everyone, regardless of background or registration status, has the opportunity to benefit from early detection and advice on managing their health. The event reflects the practice’s commitment to improving health outcomes, breaking down barriers to care, and supporting the wellbeing of the whole community.

16/09/2025

Portcullis Surgery would like to congratulate our wonderful GP trainee Dr Zaigham Tariq for passing his GP Speciality exams and wish him all the best in his future career! Dr Tariq has accepted a salaried position in Newport and will be starting there next week.

We are also delighted in welcoming our new GP trainee Dr Salamah Yadam who will be training with us until October 2026.

Finally we have excellent news, our lovely GP Dr Liam Stevens who has been locuming for us has accepted a permanent position as a salaried GP at our practice!

We are delighted to have an additional member to our practice GP Team!

16/09/2025

Taking place Friday .. all details on the poster below.

16/09/2025

Andy from Andali Fitness is holding a presentation to introduce people to all aspects of fitness training, health and diet.

It is free and open to anyone, but he would ask that people email him at andysilvey@andalifitness.com so that he has an idea of numbers.

It will be at Ludlow Rugby Club on Wednesday 17th September between 18:30-20:00.

08/09/2025

Did you know that in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin £2.6 million of medicines are wasted unnecessarily per year?
By ‘Thinking Twice and Ordering Right’, patients will be helping to protect NHS resources, keep medicines available for those who need them, and prevent unnecessary environmental harm.
For more information about how you can help please read more information on our website
https://www.portcullis-surgery.co.uk/medicines.../

03/09/2025

03/09/2025

Following the success of our new Walks for All route from Rockspring Community Centre, the next walk will take place on Monday 8th September.

Joins us for a gentle 1km around the local area. Ideal if you're looking to:
- Add some light exercise into your routine
- Build up your fitness
- Or just get out of the house and enjoy some company

The walk finishes with a stop at the Cafe at the Community Centre - a great opportunity to chat more over a cup of tea.

No booking needed - just turn up!
Walk Leaders will be ready to leave at 10:30am.
Everyone welcome!

03/09/2025

A new support group for dementia patients and carers. Starting tomorrow, 10-12pm, at Helena Lane. It is organised by Ludlow Area Community Partnership (LACP) and all information is on the poster below but Zoe will be attending this group tomorrow as a familiar face from the surgery.

01/09/2025

September is National Recovery Month.

We would like to thank our patient Mr Henry Mackley for sharing his story with the Shropshire Star regarding alcohol dependancy and for allowing us to share his story on our Facebook and Website Pages.

What is National Recovery Month?
National Recovery Month was established in 1989 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to promote evidence-based treatment and recovery practices.

Shropshire Recovery Partnership, delivered by With You, provides free and confidential services, without judgement, to adults and young people facing challenges with drugs and alcohol. If you have questions, need advice, or just want to talk, you can contact them directly:

Ludlow, The Hawthorns, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1QL 01743 294 700

https://www.shropshirestar.com/your-world/2025/09/01/i-had-a-massive-problem-with-alcohol-it-nearly-killed-me-shropshire-man-who-now-works-for-drug-and-alcohol-charity-shares-life-saving-message-for-recovery-month/

29/08/2025

Please share! Portcullis practice believes in taking proactive steps to reduce health inequalities in our community. We have been invited to join the Mayor’s Charity Market, on Thursday 18th September. Sian our Advanced Paramedic will be there all morning (9-12.30am) where she will be offering free blood pressure checks and raising awareness about the importance of regular health screening.

By being present in a community setting, the practice aims to reach people who may not routinely access healthcare services, including those who are not currently registered with a GP.

This initiative ensures that everyone, regardless of background or registration status, has the opportunity to benefit from early detection and advice on managing their health. The event reflects the practice’s commitment to improving health outcomes, breaking down barriers to care, and supporting the wellbeing of the whole community.

27/08/2025

We would agree with our colleagues in Station Drive that the loss of any child due to a mental health issue or any other health problem is devastating.

If you find yourself, or your child struggling, please contact someone for help. Your GP surgery and NHS 111

Our counsellor Siri is available for counselling with adults and children over the age of 13, just call the practice and make an appointment.

Samaritans

Whatever you're going through, you can contact the Samaritans for support.N.B. This is a listening service and does not offer advice or intervention.

Opening times: 24/7 116123
jo@samaritans.org

Papyrus Trust

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Su***de is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of su***de and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.
England Central Office
First Floor, Camomile House, Embassy Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1TP
Telephone: 0121 437 0411
Email: englandcentral@papyrus-uk.org

Winston's Wish: su***de bereavement support

Winston’s Wish offers bespoke individual bereavement support to children, young people (up to 25) and families. Our experienced Helpline team can also provide immediate guidance, advice, resources and support to families bereaved by su***de and the professionals supporting them. Find out more about the support we offer by clicking the button below or contact us:

Call: 08088 020 021
Email: ask@winstonswish.org

Childline
If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.

Sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service. Can provide a BSL interpreter if you are deaf or hearing-impaired.

Hosts online message boards where you can share your experiences, have fun and get support from other young people in similar situations.

Opening times:
24/7
0800 11 11

Muslim Youth Helpline
Provides faith and culturally sensitive support for young Muslims.

Online chat service available during opening hours.

Opening times:
4pm - 10pm, 365 days a year
0808 808 2008
0808 808 2008
help@myh.org.uk

MIND

Want to talk about your mental health?
If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can get help now.

Call our support line on 0300 102 1234
Call our Infoline on 0300 123 3393

YoungMinds Parents Helpline

We support parents and carers who are concerned about their child or young person's mental health. Our Parents Helpline provides detailed advice and information, emotional support and signposting.

You can speak to us over the phone or chat to us online.

You can speak to us over webchat between 9.30am and 4pm from Monday-Friday. When we’re closed, you can still leave us a message in the chat. We’ll reply to you by email in 3-5 working days.

Opening times:
9.30am-4pm, Monday-Friday
0808 802 5544

Survivors of Bereavement by Su***de (SOBS)
Offers support for people over the age of 18 who have lost someone to su***de.

Opening times:
9am - 9pm, Monday - Friday
0300 111 5065
email.support@uksobs.org

Twelve months ago, Max died.

He was young, energetic, articulate, smart, funny and everyone’s best friend.
But a feeling of failure and letting those around him down had taken hold. He saw no way forward, no future prospects for himself.

Max had just completed his GCSEs and had plans to go to college, play his sports and hang out with his friends.

Results day changed all of that.

Not getting the grades he had hoped for, not gaining entrance to the college all his friends would be attending, the clear message that he wasn’t good enough struck home and stayed. The excitement, celebrations, preceding media build up to results day, all made him feel even more isolated.

Everyone who knew him will say that he would have made a great success out of any career he chose to follow. He had the essential qualities of success, kindness, motivation, drive and happiness. The circumstances he found himself facing, based on his results, took that insight from him.

Max knew what he wanted to do with his life, what he didn’t know was that his results didn’t define who he was or his future.

“You are so much more than your exam results and they do not define your future”

We can’t bring Max back, but we can continue to support young people who feel isolated, scare, “not good” enough and worried about their future careers.

If you find yourself, or your child struggling, please contact someone for help.
Your GP surgery, the Papyrus Trust, the Samaritans, MIND, Young Minds, NHS 111
We are here to listen, to help and support you through this.