Welcome to the Outpatient Department
Service Description: We aim to make your visit to the outpatient department as comfortable as possible. This web page explains some of the procedures which may happen during your appointment.
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible by calling 01271 349149 between 8.30am and 5.00pm. This will enable us to offer the appointment to another patient and help ensure waiting lists are kept as short as possible for all patients.
The clinics
The Outpatient department provides a service which covers a diverse range of medical and surgical health needs, encompassing a wide variety of general and specialised clinics.
| Arterial Surgery | Audiology | Breast Clinic |
| Cardiology | Cardio-Thorasic | Colo-rectal Surgery |
| Diabetic | Dietetics | Ear Nose and Throat |
| Eye Clinic | General Medicine | General Surgery |
| Nephrology Genito-urinary | Haematology | Neurology |
| Oncology | Phlebotomy | Plastic Surgery |
| Psychiatry | Respiratory | Rheumatology |
| Surgical Appliance | Urology | Upper G.I |
The out patient clinics are held in a variety of locations across the Trust including NDDH and the community hospitals.
On arrival
When you arrive at the department, you will be greeted by one of our receptionists who will check your details and book you in, before directing you to the waiting area for your appointment.
Patients are seen in order of appointment time (not on a first come-first served basis). Every effort is made to see you at your appointed time, but there may be occassions when delays occur. Delay times will be displayed on the board in each Clinic and the staff will do all they can to keep you informed. If you leave the waiting area for any reason, please inform a member of staff so you do not miss your appointment slot. If you are unable to wait, the receptionist can make another appointment for you.
Please help yourself to any of the information leaflets displayed in the waiting room.
Outpatient clinics
Each clinic is staffed by a consultant, who is responsible for patient care, and a team of doctors and nurses. You will be seen by any one of this team depending on the details of your referral. Members of the nursing team will be there to assist, guide and reassure you during your consultation. Please do not hesitate to approach them if you are concerned or have any questions.
Seeing the doctor
Your doctor will ask you some questions about your medical history and may need to perform an examination. Your doctor may decide that you need investigations or tests. If so, a member of the nursing staff will direct you to the relevant department and give you the appropriate form to hand in.
Medical students
You may be asked if a medical student can be present during your appointment with the doctor. This forms an important part of their training. You can refuse without this affecting your treatment in any way.
Before leaving
Before leaving, please remember to return to the Outpatient Department reception, to complete your appointment.
Investigations and tests
Investigations and tests will vary from patient to patient. These are some of the most common:
Blood test
A blood test is a very common and routine procedure. A sample of your blood is taken so we can look for any abnormalities. The sample is then sent to the laboratory to be analysed.
X-rays
An x-ray is a painless test to obtain an image of a part of your body. Most x-rays can normally be performed on the day of your outpatient visit.
Scans
For a CT (Computerised Tomography) scan or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan you will need to make an appointment to come back at a later date.
Ultrasound
This procedure uses high frequency sound waves to form an image. The physiologist applies a lubricating gel to the skin and rolls a probe over the relevant area. Most ultrasound scans can be performed on the day of your outpatient visit.
ECG (Electrocardiogram)
An ECG is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart. This test can be performed on the day of your outpatient visit.
Urinalysis
This is a simple and informative test. You will be asked to provide a urine sample for analysis. This can usually be done instantly. However some samples may need to go to the laboratory for more extensive testing.
During your visit
Smoking
This is a smokefree Trust. Smoking is not allowed in any of our hospital buildings or grounds, including the car parks.
Infection Control
Please do not come into hospital if you have suffered any dihorrea or vomiting symptoms in the last 48 hours. On arrival, please wash your hands using the washing and/or alcohol gel dispensers at the entrance. These actions will help the Trust combat and control the outbreak of infections.
Facilities
The League of Friends shop and snack bar are in the main entrance foyer. Public telephones are opposite the shop. Baby changing facilities and toilets for the disabled are available in the Outpatients Department. Meals, sandwiches and snacks are also available in the Raleigh Galley Restaurant on Level 0.
Our standards of care
We are constantly working to improve the service we provide to our patients and welcome your comments and views on the service you have received. This helps us to maintain an open friendly environment, and change and develop our services.Please ask the nursing or reception staff to put you in contact with our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). They will be happy to discuss any particular points of concern, or offer help and advice. PALS can be contacted on 01271 314 090. We aim to provide a consistent, effective and friendly service to our patients, their relatives, friends and carers.
Service Location: A multi-disciplanary nursing approach is designed to allow for the free-flow of information between healthcare professionals and consistency of care. We aim to offer a comprehensive service that is flexible, knowledgable and responsive to cultural diversity.
