Your appointment

Patient with staff member

Managing your appointment

A female patient sitting in a hospital bed as a healthcare professional speaks to them

Managing your appointment

Giving you more control over your care

When you're referred to one of our hospitals, we'll be in touch as soon as an appointment is ready for you. You can easily check all the details through Patient Knows Best. 

If the date or time of the appointment doesn't work for you, don't worry. Just let us know as soon as you can, and we'll find a find that's better for you. This also helps us offer your original slot to someone else who's waiting.

Cancel, reschedule, or manage your appointment

While you wait

While you wait

While you wait

Staying well and informed

We understand that waiting for an appointment or procedure can feel difficult and sometimes stressful.

We have support in place to help you while you wait. Whether it’s tips for looking after your health, checking your test results, or keeping up to date with waiting lists, we’ll make sure you have what you need to feel informed and reassured.

Waiting for your appointment

Inpatient and outpatient appointments

Inpatient and outpatient appointments

Your appointment

From diagnosis to recovery, we’re with you for every moment

Coming in for a test, treatment or check-up

If you have an appointment at one of our hospitals or clinics but don’t need to stay overnight, this is called a day or outpatient visit. This could be for a test, treatment or procedure.

When you need to stay in hospital for care

Sometimes you may need to stay overnight — for an operation, test, or so our team can look after you while you recover or receive treatment. This is called being an inpatient.

We’ve answered some of the questions you may have before, during and after your hospital stay

Follow-up appointments

Follow-up appointments

After your appointment

Understanding your next steps

What happens next will depend on your type of appointment. You may need further tests, or the team might want to see you again to check how you’re getting on. Before you leave, your healthcare team will talk through the next steps with you so you know what to expect.

Your follow-up

Keeping our patients and staff safe

We are here to care for you

But we will not tolerate violence and abuse

We understand that being in hospital can be stressful, and our staff are here to ensure you or your loved ones receive the best possible care.

We’re training our teams to recognise warning signs and defuse situations early, but violence and abuse will not be tolerated. Emergencies will always be treated, but any violent incidents may be noted on your record.

Some staff may wear body-worn cameras to help protect everyone. These are only switched on during an incident, and you’ll always be told before recording starts.

Footage is stored securely under the Data Protection Act. If you have any questions, please speak to the nurse in charge or a member of the security team.

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