If it’s suitable for your care, you can now attend hospital appointments remotely with online video calling.
You can speak with a clinician from your home or work, saving you time and money.
If you have been offered a video appointment, it means a senior clinician has reviewed your case and feels it is appropriate for your care. If during the consultation you and your clinician feel that another type of appointment is more appropriate, this can be arranged.
Attending your appointment
We will schedule your appointment as normal and write to you to confirm the details of the date and time. But instead of traveling to your appointment, you will get a link to an online clinic.
Once you have followed the link, you will need to join the relevant online waiting area. Your clinician will be notified when you arrive, and they will join you as soon as they are ready.
What you need to access the video consultation
Device system requirements
You will need to ensure that your device has one of the following operating systems:
- Android Phones & Tablets: Microsoft Teams Free works with Android devices using the last four major OS versions.
- Apple Phones & Tablets: Microsoft Teams Free works with devices using the last two major iOS versions.
Are video calls secure?
Yes, and your privacy is always protected. You will have a private video room, which only you and your caregivers can access.
How much does it cost?
Your video appointment is free. However, you may be charged for internet usage by your provider.
How much internet data will be used for the consultation?
You don’t use any data while waiting for a clinician to join you. A video call uses a similar amount of data to FaceTime/Video Calling, but we recommend connecting to a home or work WiFi network to avoid using your mobile data allowance.
Why have I been offered this type of appointment?
We are offering video consultations to some patients who have been identified by their clinician as someone who may be suitable for this type of appointment.
Does the appointment have to be by video?
No. We understand that it may not be possible for you to conduct your appointment by video, or you may not want to. If you decide not to attend a video call which has already been arranged, please let us know by calling us so we can arrange for the appointment to be conducted in another way. If the clinician feels that you need to attend a face-to-face appointment this will be arranged.
What if I cannot access the waiting area on the day of the appointment?
Don’t worry if you cannot access the lobby on the day of your appointment. If the clinician cannot see you in the lobby, they will contact you on the telephone numbers we hold for you. The consultation will then be conducted by telephone where possible, and if a face-to-face appointment is required this can be arranged.
What if I can’t see or hear anything through the video link?
Let the clinician know straight away if you are experiencing any technical problems with the video appointment. Firstly, check your device has access to your camera and microphone. If you are still having difficulty, and if possible, the consultation can continue by telephone. Otherwise, a rescheduled video appointment, or the next available face to face appointment, will be offered to you.
What happens if I need a physical examination?
If the clinician decides after seeing you for the video call that you need a physical examination, you will be offered the next available face to face appointment. If your condition has changed and you feel that you need to see the clinician in a face-to-face setting, please do not opt to hold the consultation by video.
Can a relative or carer join in with the appointment?
Yes. If you would like someone else to attend with you, please let the Clinician know who they are and their relation to you when the appointment starts.