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.

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.

Read our short guide on preparing for your outpatient journey