Your outpatient appointment

Your outpatient appointment image

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The information on this page will help you to prepare for your outpatient appointment and explain some of the different appointment options that you might be offered.

  • How will I be told or reminded about my appointment?

    How will I be told or reminded about my appointment?

    You will receive your appointment letter through the post.

    If your mobile phone number is on your NHS record, you will also receive two text message reminders confirming your appointment.

    • Step one – An appointment letter will be posted to you.
    • Step two – A text message reminder will be sent to you 7 days before your appointment.
    • Step three – Another text message reminder will be sent to you 2 days before your appointment.
  • What should I do if I can't attend my appointment?

    What should I do if I can't attend my appointment?

    We understand that it's not always possible to attend the appointment you are given, but it is very important that you let us know well in advance if you are unable to attend your outpatient appointment. This will allow us to offer your appointment to someone else.

    You can use the contact details on your appointment letter if you need to reschedule your appointment.

    If you receive text message appointment reminders, you can also let us know if you're unable to attend your appointment by replying to the text message reminder that has been sent to you.

    • If your appointment is no longer needed, reply to the text message with ‘CANCEL XXXX' [the 4 digits included in the text message].
    • If you need to rearrange the date, reply with 'REBOOK XXXX' [the 4 digits included in the text message].

    If you do not attend your appointment without notifying us, we may discharge you back into the care of your GP.

  • Preparing for your outpatient journey

What types of appointment are available?

Our countywide outpatient service offers different appointment types depending on your personal circumstances, these are:

Check an interpreter or translator is booked

If you require an interpreter or translator for your appointment (including British Sign Language), you can check an interpreter has been booked for your (or someone that you care for’s) appointment here or by by sending a text message to: 07887 622 746.

Patient Led Follow Up – Putting you in control of your appointments

You can read more about Patient Led Follow Up here (this may also be called Patient Initiated Follow Up).

You can also watch the video below on taking control of your follow up appointments:

Waiting for an appointment, operation, or treatment (My Planned Care)

Read about waiting for an appointment, operation, or treatment, including more about the My Planned Care website.