In-person appointments

Everything you need to know if you are attending an outpatient appointment in person.

Before your appointment

Special requirements

If you have any special requirements such as sight, hearing or mobility needs, please let us know as soon as possible, using the telephone number on your appointment letter. You may require the services of an interpreter if English is not your first language; we are able to provide this via a telephone service. We can also arrange sign language interpreters.

Patients with diabetes are advised to prepare for unexpected delays by bringing something to eat and drink.

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome at the hospital, if you require any further support please contact us on 01522 573200.

Seeing your clinician

Please ensure you are ready for your appointment before seeing the clinician and have all necessary information and medication with you.

Medication

Please bring your medication print out with you or tablets if you do not have a print out. The doctor or nurse will be happy to answer any questions about your condition or treatment. They will also write down any answers or instructions for you, if you wish.

Students on clinical placements

Students may be present when you see the doctor as this forms a valuable part of their training. If you don’t wish students to be present please tell the clinic staff. Your treatment will not be affected in any way.

Waiting times in clinic

It may appear that some patients are being called to see a doctor before you, this is because several clinics are in progress. We endeavour to keep waiting times to a minimum. However some patients’ problems are more complex than others and may take more time to deal with. Patients waiting for their appointment will be kept informed of any delays.

Patient information

During your time at the hospital you may be asked for certain information about yourself. You can also request your health records.

Health records

If you would like to see your health records during your visit, mention this to the doctor or nurse who will arrange this. Please be aware that there may be a charge for your request. Find out more information about accessing to your health records.

Your information and the NHS

During the course of your patient journey you will be asked for information about yourself. This information may be held within your clinical notes or on computers. As a Trust we will use this information to:

  • Provide you with treatment and care
  • Look after the health of the general public
  • Manage and plan the NHS
  • Help us ensure the care you receive is of the highest standard
  • Train and educate our staff
  • Undertake research

Everyone working within or for this Trust and the NHS has a legal duty to keep information about you confidential. When information about you is shared, those receiving information from us about you are also under a legal duty to keep it confidential.

Accessibility

Please take a look below for accessibility information which may be relevant to you if you use a wheelchair or have dependent children.

Wheelchairs

If you require a wheelchair whilst visiting the outpatients department, there is a supply just inside the entrance. Please ask for assistance if required and return all wheelchairs to the collection point. You may of course bring your own wheelchair or any other equipment.

Dependants

If you are coming for an appointment and have either dependent children or are a carer please try wherever possible to avoid bringing them or bring someone to accompany them, as we are unable to guarantee that we can provide care for them during your appointment.