Outpatients
At your Appointment
At your Appointment
On arrival please go the clinic reception area where the receptionist will explain what you need to do next.
In this section:
- Is it okay to ask lots of questions?
- I am an overseas visitor; will I have to pay for my treatment
- Do you need my consent before treatment?
- Will I come into contact with students?
- Will I be asked to take part in research?
- Will any samples or specimens be taken from me?
- Can I use my mobile phone?
- Is smoking allowed in the hospital?
- What should I do if I have any fears or concerns?
- Further information
Is it okay to ask lots of questions?
Yes, go ahead, we really encourage this. We want you to become involved in your health care and play an active part in decision making. Please think about what's most important to you.
We’ll give you lots of information, in person and in writing, so you can feel confident that you are getting the best possible care. It’s important that you understand all the information you are given to ensure you are clear about your diagnosis/condition and tests or treatment.
So fire away, whether you want to know more about your condition, or the tests you might need, or the treatment options available. Write down all of the questions that you'd like to ask, thinking about what is most important to you so we can address all of your questions so we know what matters to you most.
And if you’re worried or want a second opinion, then talk it through with someone in the team looking after you. We’ll always make time to listen.
I’m an overseas visitor – will I have to pay for my treatment?
Yes, the NHS charges overseas patients, unless they are exempt. Ward staff or the Paying Patients Office (tel 020 7480 4608) can advise you about this.
Do you need my consent before surgery or treatment?
Consent to treatment means you must give permission before you receive any type of medical treatment, test or examination. This should be done when your doctor or nurse explains the treatment, test or examination to you.
It can be done verbally or you may be asked to sign a form. Find out more here:
Will I come into contact with students?
It’s possible that you will come into contact with students, as all the hospitals in our Trust are involved in teaching students. Often, you will see student doctors, nurses and other trainee clinical staff on the wards.
They may help with giving you direct care or examinations (under supervision) and you might be asked to discuss your condition with students. You have the right to refuse to be seen or treated by students – refusal will not affect the rest of your care.
Will I be asked to take part in research?
Trust staff are involved in a variety of research projects and at some stage in your treatment you may be asked to be involved with one of these projects.
Any research you are asked to take part in will be relevant to your care. Your consent to be part of a research project will be asked for separately to all other aspects of your treatment.
You have the right to refuse to be involved in any research – refusal will not affect the rest of your care.
Will any samples or specimens be taken from me?
Sometimes samples or specimens are taken from you during your treatment to help us understand your condition or plan your treatment. Your consent will be sought if these samples or specimens are to be used for research purposes.
Can I use my mobile phone?
Yes, you can use your mobile but please be considerate of other patients. There may be areas in the hospital where there is sensitive equipment and you will be asked not to use your phone in this area. If unsure, please check with member of staff.
Is smoking allowed in the hospital?
The Trust is completely smokefree – our smoking shelters have been removed and smoking is not be permitted anywhere on Trust grounds. E-cigarettes (vaping) are permitted, used outdoors only and away from main entrances.
Those who breathe second-hand smoke are exposed to the same health risks as smokers, including heart disease and cancers. Being a smokefree site will protect the health and wellbeing of all our patients, staff and visitors.
If you wish to leave the site to smoke, you should check with staff that it is safe for you to do so. Patients using oxygen cylinders should never smoke whilst using the equipment as there is an extremely high risk of fire or explosion.
What should I do if I have any fears or concerns?
If you have any worries or concerns, please speak to a member of your care team.