Before your appointment

If you are unable to attend your appointment on the date or time you have been given, please contact the Patient   Liaison Office as soon as possible on 0121 685 4049, 0121 685 4152 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This will enable us to reschedule your current appointment and offer the slot to another patient. Missed appointments have a big impact on the way we provide our services, so it is very important that you contact us if you cannot attend. Please tell us if you have changed your name, address, contact numbers or GP in order that your records are kept up to date.

What you need to bring with you

• Your appointment letter
• A list of any medication you are currently taking
• Reading glasses (you may be required to complete forms)
• Hearing aid if needed
• You are welcome to bring a family member or friend with you to your appointment

Other points to consider

• If you have a medical condition e.g. asthma, diabetes, which requires regular medication please bring this with you e.g. pain relief, inhalers. If you are diabetic, please ensure you also bring a snack with you.
• Please dress appropriately as you may require an examination (loose clothing and appropriate underwear).
• On arrival, please inform a member of staff if you have a medical condition.
• Refreshments are available onsite
• Allow time prior to your appointment for parking.

When you arrive

Please use the self-check in (touch screen) terminals located near the entrance to Outpatients. You will be asked to input information including name, address, date of birth etc. If you require help, please ask go to the reception desk or ask one of our friendly volunteers. Once you have entered your details a numbered ticket will be printed out at the terminal. Please keep the ticket and take a seat in the waiting area. Your number will be announced and appear on the display screen. Volunteers are available to guide you to your clinic.

Your consultation

Your treatment will be under the care of a particular Consultant who has overall responsibility for your medical management. Other Consultants and staff including Anaesthetists, Radiologists (who interpret your scans and X-rays) and Pathologists (who look at tissue samples) may also be involved in your care. In clinic you may be seen by your designated Consultant, one of the Registrars, a Nurse Practitioner (ANP) or key worker, all who work as part of the Clinical Team.

You will be assessed and potential treatments will be discussed with you. Please ensure you are given the name of your consultant and keyworker before you leave your appointment.

After your consultation

Following your consultation, you may be asked to attend Pre– Operative Assessment Clinic this may take up to a couple of hours. Please take this into consideration as you may need to bring or buy some refreshments.

Having an X-ray

As part of your outpatient consultation, you may be required to have an X-ray. Your Consultant may request this prior to your Consultation and if so, the X-ray department will contact you directly to arrange this. If, however, your Consultant determines on the day of clinic that you require an X-ray you will be handed a request form and directed to the X-ray department by the nursing staff.

Permanent record

You will receive a copy of the clinical letter detailing your appointment consultation sent by your Consultant to your referring Consultant and/or GP. Please let one of the key workers know if you wish to receive this.

Waiting times

Every effort is made to keep to appointment times however delays can occur. Individual appointments may take longer than expected or the clinical staff may be called away to an emergency. The outpatient team will do their best to keep you informed of any delays to your appointment. Please ensure you allow plenty of time for your visit, especially if it is your first appointment. 

If you are having a scan prior to your appointment, you will be seen by the consultant once the scan results are available so you may be here for most of the day.