Attending an Appointment

Outpatients at Princess Royal Hospital

When you receive an invitation to attend an appointment we understand that you may have questions. We have tried to answer some of the more frequently asked queries through the content below, and through the patient information details to the right.

Please note that SaTH NHS Trust teaches medical students and, as such, you may be asked to see a student or to allow one to be present within your consultation. If you do not wish to see a student, please make us aware when you check in at the clinic or when you see the doctor.

Both hospitals have designated car parking facilities for patients and visitors. There is a tiered charging structure offering a range of rates for different lengths of stay. The tariffs include free parking for up to 20 minutes. Please visit our car parking page for more information.

If you feel that the information on this page has not answered your question, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team.

I think my health has deteriorated whilst waiting for my appointment - What should I do?

If you’re concerned that your health is getting worse, revisit your GP for advice.

The appointment that I have been sent is not convenient and I need to change/Cancel it - What should I do?

If your appointment is not convenient please contact the Booking Office on 01743 261044 or 01952 282810 as soon as possible so that the appointment can be offered to another patient. Please give us as much notice as possible. When calling, please have the appointment date, clinic details and your Hospital or NHS Number available.

If a patient cancels an appointment on two or more consecutive occasions (and causes delay to their appointment by more than two weeks) or they are unable to re-book their appointment within their breach date, their case should be reviewed by a Clinician to ensure there is no clinical risk in not treating the patient and it is agreed that the patient is not considered to be vulnerable. Where no risk is identified, patients should be discharged back to their GP.

Any patient who does not attend their agreed appointment (new or follow-up) will be reviewed by the relevant Clinician and a clinical decision will be made as to whether a further appointment is required or to discharge the patient back to the care of their GP if it is in the patient’s best clinical interests to do so. Both patient and GP will be notified of this in writing to ensure the referring GP is aware and can action further management of the patient if necessary.

What if I feel too unwell to attend my appointment?

If you are unable to keep your appointment, please cancel it as soon as possible by calling 01743 261044 or 01952 282810 so that we may offer it to another patient. If you are likely to be unwell and unable to accept an appointment for six weeks or more after the hospital has received your referral, you will be referred back to your GP who can re-refer you again when you are well enough to be treated.

What if I have difficulty getting to the hospital?

Normally patients are expected to make their own arrangements for travelling to and from the hospitals. However, if you have mobility difficulties or are temporarily incapacitated which affects your ability to drive or be driven, you may be eligible for Patient Transport. In these cases call Medical Services on 01743 762650 to arrange transport.

Ideally at least 48 hours’ notice is needed to book, change or cancel your transport. However if your outpatient appointment changes, please contact this number, even if this is the morning of your appointment as we may be able to offer your time slot to another patient.

What happens if I do not attend or I miss my appointment?

If a patient cancels an appointment on two or more consecutive occasions (and causes delay to their appointment by more than two weeks) or they are unable to re-book their appointment within their breach date, their case should be reviewed by a Clinician to ensure there is no clinical risk in not treating the patient and it is agreed that the patient is not considered to be vulnerable. Where no risk is identified, patients should be discharged back to their GP.

Any patient who does not attend their agreed appointment (new or follow-up) will be reviewed by the relevant Clinician and a clinical decision will be made as to whether a further appointment is required or to discharge the patient back to the care of their GP if it is in the patient’s best clinical interests to do so. Both patient and GP will be notified of this in writing to ensure the referring GP is aware and can action further management of the patient if necessary.

Will I be reminded about my appointment?

At SaTH we operate an automated reminder service which contacts you via your landline or mobile to remind you of your forthcoming appointment. If do not wish to receive these reminders, you can opt out of this service by contacting the Booking Office on 01743 261044 or 01952 282810 or by advising the Receptionist on your next visit. Please note that missing the call will not result in the appointment being cancelled.