What to expect at your outpatient appointment
Getting you back to good health.
We are here to answer any questions you have about surgery. We listen to you and guide you through every part of your treatment.
Meeting your consultant is your first step back to good health and a better quality of life for you and your family.
It’s quite natural to have questions. You may be worried about a particular aspect of treatment, or feel nervous because you’re not sure about what is going to happen.
That’s why we are here, to answer any questions you have about surgery. We listen to you and guide you through every part of your treatment.
At your outpatient visit, you will chat to your consultant who will look after you throughout your treatment and hospital stay. He or she can discuss options with you, and help ease any worries you have.
You may want to think about what you want to say before your visit. You can then jot down a few questions on the page at the back of this booklet, or simply ask us any that spring to mind on the day. Think about your symptoms and when they started.
We want to make sure that you are fully informed before deciding whether to go ahead with your surgery. If you have a question, we’ll answer it. If certain medical terms aren’t clear, we’ll explain them. If you’d like to bring a friend for support when we talk, no problem.
Your appointment can take from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on your needs. We sometimes need to carry out further tests on the same day, or we may ask you to come back another day. But we will always fully explain why we need to do any extra tests.
If you are on any prescribed medication, please bring the details along to your outpatient visit.
• Is your medical condition affecting your health and lifestyle?
• Are you able to do everything you want to do?
• Have you decided that now is the time to sort out the problem?
• What are your particular concerns?
• Do you have questions that we can help you answer?
• What do you want to achieve?
• Outpatient – being an outpatient simply means you are coming in to see us for an appointment. You don’t stay overnight at this stage
• Consultant – this is the highly trained surgeon who will guide you through and perform your operation. You can talk to your consultant about the treatment you will receive, and any concerns you may have
Sometimes the thought of surgery can seem frightening. That’s why we discuss every aspect of your operation with you, so you know exactly what to expect.
You will meet your consultant and, depending on your particular need, other medical staff. They are friendly, approachable and supportive and all play a part in getting you back to good health.
Arriving at the hospital.
We suggest you go to the main reception when you arrive at the hospital. If you use a wheelchair, and need assistance with it, you can also ask here. The reception staff will then direct you to the outpatient area. It’s best to let a member of staff know you have arrived before you take a seat. We will need to make sure we are up-to-date with all your details, so we’ll check any completed forms that you bring with you.
It’s normal to feel a bit anxious or unsure. We are here to help and care for you. If you have any concerns, do let us know and we will help you.
You may need to have a test or scan at your outpatient appointment, or we may need to arrange for you to come back on another day for a test or scan. Your consultant will explain what needs to happen in your particular case.
Tests will often be carried out by a nurse, who will be able to explain what’s happening, and answer any questions you may have about the tests.
The nurse may also complete some health questions (a ‘pre-assessment form’) with you.
May we have your permission?
When a consultant, nurse or therapist asks you to agree to any form of examination or treatment, we understand that you always have a choice. It’s quite acceptable for you to say no or ask for more information.
Your consent is most important. So, when having any operation, we ask you to sign a consent form to show that you agree to the procedure and fully understand what will happen.
You’ve made a decision. What’s next?
You can take as much time as you want to make a decision; we know there’s a lot to think about, and we won’t pressure you. If you would like to go ahead with surgery with us, we can discuss operation dates that may suit you. We can also tell you more about coming into hospital. And we’ll advise you of the costs and terms of your surgery, if applicable.
Remember, we are here to support you.
We want to help you get back to enjoying life to the full as soon as possible.
Keeping the hospital spotless.
You can be assured that we take infection prevention very seriously. We train our people to maintain a clean environment, and consultants, nurses and other healthcare staff wash their hands or use the alcohol rubs before they treat you. You can expect to find that all areas of the hospital are clean and tidy.
Before you come in, you may have some concerns or queries. Please feel free to call us on 0800 688 699, so we can help put your mind at ease.
