Castle Medical Group in Ashby has this week been reporting 'unprecedented' levels of staff sickness.

The Burton Road-based health centre has appealed to patients to show patience during a difficult time when the Omicron virus is still causing high infection rates and people are self-isolating.

A social media post - twice issued by Castle Medical - says: "Please note: we are currently experiencing an unprecedented level of staff sickness.

"You may experience a delay, we would appreciate if you could bear with us."

The centre adds on its website: "In line with the Government's announcement, the NHS is aiming to offer every eligible person the chance to book a COVID-19 booster vaccine by the end of the year.

"This means our practice is now prioritising the booster rollout.

"As part of this, some of our routine services may be stood down temporarily to allow us to focus on protecting as many patients as possible.

"We are still there for anyone who may need care for an urgent need, but would ask for patience and respect as we support this key national priority over the coming weeks.

"We hope to be able to stand back up any services as soon as possible."