At the Clinic

On your first appointment or when seeing a new doctor for the first time in the department, you will need to register:

This information is kept in the hospital administration system and will help us to prepare your medical records accurately. Your hospital number is unique to you and will help us to keep a track of your medical records and treatment. Keep a note of it for future appointments or enquiries.

How the clinics work

Each clinic has its own routine, and a team of medical, nursing, therapist and clerical staff. If you have any queries or need advice regarding your treatment, the clinical staff including our specially trained nurses will be happy to advise you.

To help you identify everybody; all hospital staff wear special photographic ID badges giving their name and occupation. Information relating to the clinic staff can be found on the notice board in the waiting room.

Every patient is under the care of a consultant but you may be seen by any other doctor in the team. They will discuss your medical condition and treatment with you.

An identified named nurse will be responsible for your care while you are in the clinic.

Waiting time

We will give you an individual appointment time. If you arrive early, it does not guarantee you will be seen any earlier. Please arrive for your appointment on time. You should have to wait no longer than 30 minutes from your appointment time, although there may be delays because:

the person you are waiting to see has been held up in a clinic or with a patient in one of the wards
an emergency situation arises where another patient needs to be seen urgently
We will inform you of the reason for any delays and will keep you regularly updated
Your visit to the Outpatients Department could sometimes take up to two or three hours, especially if you are attending one of our ‘one-stop’ clinics. However, the advantage of this type of clinic is that you have all your tests and investigations carried out on the same day and receive your diagnosis before you go home
You may find it helpful to bring something with you to read which will help pass the time if you do have to wait.