goto homepage

What is a video appointment?

Video appointments are appointments that take place between a patient and a healthcare professional over video call, instead of face-to-face or over the telephone.

Video appointments are a safe and effective way to access care and allow you to have your appointment in a place that is convenient to you. Having your appointment over video may save you time and money as you will not need to travel to one of our hospital sites.

You might find it helpful to prepare some questions or write down a list of things you’d like to discuss during your appointment.

How will I attend my video call appointment?

Your video call appointment will be on Microsoft Teams Virtual Appointment.

We will email you with the information you need to join the video call. If we do not have an email address for you, a member of our team will contact you. You will be able to join the video call on a computer or on a phone.

Five minutes before your appointment time, please use the link that you will have been sent by email or SMS text message and follow the onscreen instructions for your Video Call Appointment. The team will be notified when you arrive, and your clinician will join you when ready.

How do I join my video call appointment?

• Step 1 Use the link provided to you via email or in some circumstances, some patients may also receive the link via SMS text message as well.

• Step 2 Enter your name and click Get Started.

• Step 3 Your camera will switch on and you should be able to see yourself in the window. Click Enter lobby, you will be taken to the virtual Waiting Room.  Your consultation will start as soon as your consultant joined the call.

You can also watch this information video below, for more information video call appointments (Remote Consultations).

What do I need to join a video call?

A good connection to the internet. If you can watch videos or television programmes online (e.g. YouTube or iPlayer) you should be able to join a video call.

A private, well-lit area where you will not to be disturbed during the appointment.

You will need a computer or phone with a camera, speakers and a microphone (they are usually built-in to the device).

Video calls are secure; your privacy is protected. There is no need to create an account. You will join a private video room that only the people with that link can enter. No information you enter is stored.

How much internet data will I use?
A Microsoft Teams Virtual Appointment uses a similar amount of data to Skype or FaceTime call.

How much does a video call cost?
The video call is free (except for your normal internet costs).
If you can, connect to a home or work Wi-Fi network to avoid using your mobile phone data allowance.

What do I do if something is not working?
If you are experiencing any issues during your consultation, please call or email the contact details on your outpatient letter.

How can I make changes to my scheduled appointment?

While video appointments are a safe and effective way to access care, we understand it may not be possible for you, or you may not want to attend your appointment by video.

If you would like to arrange a telephone call or face-to-face appointment instead, please refer to the contact details on your outpatient appointment letter and we will arrange this for you. Please note, we may need to change the time and date of your scheduled appointment for this.

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please refer to the contact details on your outpatient appointment letter.