Bristol Hospital

Bristol Hospital FAQs

• How do I get an appointment to see a consultant?
  If you are paying for your treatment yourself, you can book an appointment with a consultant directly online. If you are using Private Medical Insurance (PMI), your insurer may require a referral letter from your GP before booking. Once you have your referral, you can arrange your initial consultation online. Please note that a GP referral is required for some medical specialties.
• How long would it take me to get an appointment?
  We aim to offer private patients an appointment within just a few days, at a time that works best for you. Our clinics offer flexible scheduling so you can choose appointment times that fit around your daily commitments.
• Can I choose which consultant I'd like to see?
  Yes, as a private patient you can choose your consultant.
• Would my surgery be conducted by a junior doctor?
  No, our hospital only works with consultants and therefore you can be assured of the highest level of clinical care. Your appointments, surgery and follow ups will be conducted by your consultant.
• Can I see a consultant for an appointment after work or at the weekend?
  Our outpatient services operate from 08:00–20:00 Monday to Friday. If you've recently had surgery and your consultant needs to see you urgently, this will be arranged by our out-of-hours team.
• Do you offer treatment for children?
  We can see children aged 3 and above in our Outpatient department, depending on the speciality and consultant. We do not operate on under 16 year olds.
• Can I spread the cost of my treatment?
  There are options to spread the cost of your treatment with Chrysalis, with offers of up to 24 months at 0% interest. Please contact 0333 323 2230 for more information, or use our finance calculator on the website.
• When can my family visit if I’m an inpatient?
  Our visiting hours are between 16:00 and 18:00. Your recovery is of paramount importance, and you may find that you are very tired following surgery. With this in mind, visitors are encouraged to adhere to these times. Please speak to our reception team if you need any help with this.
• Do you offer meals for visitors?
  Your visitors are welcome to dine with you and can choose from our daily menu. Orders for dinner should be provided to the ward serving staff by 16:00.
  
  Please note that visitors’ meals are chargeable and these will be added to your room account unless you advise otherwise.
• Is there accommodation nearby where my family can stay?
  Yes, there are multiple options for accommodation nearby should you require. Please contact our reception team for more information.
• Is there parking available?
  Due to the limited size of our onsite car park, we are unable to guarantee parking spaces for patients or visitors at any time. We kindly ask for your cooperation in helping us manage this challenge by using alternative methods of travel or, where possible, parking in appropriate nearby areas.
  
  The lower car park is open from 07:00 Monday to Friday and from 08:00 Saturday and Sunday. The upper car park opens one hour later. Both car parks close at 21:00 during the week, and 18:00 at weekends. Outside these times, access will be restricted to emergency vehicles only. Free parking is available until 09:00 on Clifton Hill.
  
  For wheelchair access, please call 0117 987 2727 so that a hospital porter may support you, if required.
• Is there a pharmacy?
  Yes, our pharmacy is open 09:00–16:30 Monday to Friday.
• I am disabled/require assistance during my visit, who do I need to tell?
  Please let our staff know your requirements when you contact us. We are happy to make suitable arrangements before your visit to make sure your visit is as comfortable as possible. If you’d like to bring a friend or family member with you, please feel free to do so.
• What services do you have available for patients and visitors with visual impairment?
  We offer a range of features to support patients and visitors with visual impairment, including:

  • Braille signage in the passenger lift and on the disabled lavatory door at reception
  • Features recommended by the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) in Most of the hospital areas
  • A large‑button telephone available for use
  • Support from staff who are happy to talk through brochures, leaflets, and written information with you

  We are happy to support any patients who are attending an appointment with their assistance dog, provided the following conditions are met:

  • The patient should arrive as close to their scheduled consultation time as possible to minimise interaction with other patients. This is primarily out of respect for others.
  • The dog may accompany the patient into the consultation room. Immediately after the consultation, the room and waiting area will be cleaned in preparation for the next patient.
  • Assistance dogs cannot enter patient bedrooms, treatment rooms, or nurse-led rooms.
• What services do you have available for patients and visitors with hearing impairment?
  We provide hearing induction loop systems at reception to support patients and visitors with hearing impairments. Our team is always happy to assist to make sure your visit is smooth and comfortable.
• What services do you have for patients who require assistance with interpreting?
  We can arrange telephone interpreting services through The Big Word for patients who require language support. Please let us know in advance if you need interpreting assistance so we can have everything prepared for your visit.