Appointments
When your GP refers you to our hospital, you will receive a letter from the NHS e-Referral Service.
If your GP has already booked your hospital appointment, the date, time and place of your appointment at our hospital will be shown on your letter.
If your GP has not already booked your appointment on your behalf, your letter will give instructions on how you should arrange your appointment.
It is very important, if you need to change or cancel your appointment that you do this as soon as possible.
To book or cancel a new appointment
Please book or cancel your new appointment online by logging in to the NHS e-Referral Service system, which is listed on the appointment letter you will have received. This letter will provide your login details, such as your booking reference number and access code as well as your options of clinics.
If you are unable to log on to the NHS e-Referral Service, you can telephone the NHS appointments line on 0345 608 8888, Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm.
During weekends and bank holidays, the appointments line is available from 8am-4pm. Calls are charged at local rates. Please note the same choice of appointments is available by telephone and online.
To confirm an appointment
If you have received a letter from us asking you to confirm an outpatient clinic appointment at the hospital, please call the telephone number listed on the letter. The telephone number on the letter will be for the department that has issued your appointment.
To change or cancel an offered appointment
If you have received a letter from us offering you an appointment and you wish to cancel or change this appointment, it is important that you contact the relevant department via the telephone number given on your letter as soon as possible. The telephone number on the letter will be for the department that has issued your appointment
Book your blood test appointment
Book your routine blood test appointment here.
What is Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU)?
Patient Initiated Follow Up, often referred to as PIFU, has been designed to improve your patient experience and puts you in control of making an appointment with your consultant or healthcare team when you need it the most.
It means that you can initiate a follow-up appointment within an agreed timeframe that will be discussed with your consultant or healthcare team, only if you require one.
You will not be automatically placed onto the PIFU pathway, this will be discussed with you by your consultant or healthcare team first.
When can I arrange a PIFU appointment?
You may want to arrange a PIFU appointment if you have a flare up of symptoms relating to your condition, or if you feel that you are not making progress as outlined in your appointment.
Attending regular outpatient appointments arranged by your healthcare team does not prevent your condition or symptoms from returning or reduce the amount of time you need to recover.
What are the benefits of PIFU?
PIFU supports with reducing how many times you need to visit the hospital, which can support with reducing unnecessary stress and anxiety you may experience.
How long do I have to arrange a PIFU appointment?
Your consultant or healthcare team will agree a suitable timeframe in which you can schedule a PIFU appointment, if required.
After this set timeframe, you will be discharged back to the care of your GP.
If you require urgent medical advice after this time, you should contact your GP or NHS 111.
Attend Anywhere video appointments
We offer online video appointments, in partnership with the Attend Anywhere video platform. Attend Anywhere is a convenient alternative to face-to-face appointments, where appropriate.
What equipment will I need to use this sevice?
Apart from internet access, all people need to use Attend Anywhere is either the Chrome or Safari web browser on their computer or mobile device, and a webcam and headset if they are using a computer.
Attend Anywhere is a completely secure and confidential service. Calls cannot be accessed by anyone else and clinicians will be in a private room. The video call is free (except your internet usage charge).
What happens next?
You enter the clinic online and are transferred to the relevant virtual waiting area. The receptionist is notified when you arrive, and will join a call with you to check your details, before moving you to the clinician’s waiting area ready for your appointment. If the clinic does not have a receptionist, you will be transferred directly to a clinician.
Ready to start your call?
All you need to do is click on the button below to begin.
Helpful advice and guidance on using Attend Anywhere
Other enquiries
To contact the outpatient appointments team, please telephone 01279 827391, Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm. Please have your NHS or booking reference number available.