Appointment Process

Outpatient services are a core part of our hospital services.

Outpatient care is usually when you have a hospital appointment for:

• a consultation with a specialist or specialist team
• a diagnostic test
• a minor procedure
• treatment

You are not admitted to hospital and you do not stay overnight.

Outpatient services are services planned on an appointment basis. Pathways to planned services are usually through GP referrals. Referrals are sent by your General Practitioner (GP) to the relevant specialist. Detailed information about your appointment will be sent to you by post.

Process for New Patients

1. Consultation with your GP.
2. Referral submission to the Central Referrals Office (CRO) in the hospital.
3. Upon receipt of the referral, the patient will be placed on the waiting list.
4. The Consultant will triage the case.
5. An appointment will me made and the patient will be seen by the Consultant.

The CRO (for new patients only) can be contacted at 045 843095 or 045 849910.

Before your appointment

• Make a list of any questions you have about your condition, tests or treatment.
• Make some notes about your medical history - including previous illnesses, surgeries and family medical history.
• Plan what you’ll wear - loose clothing is best if you’re having any tests or a physical examination.
• Check if you need to fast before your appointment - this information will be in your appointment letter.
• Plan your journey so you’ll get to your appointment on time - add in extra time for unexpected delays, such as heavy traffic or finding parking.
• If you have flu-like or other viral symptoms, contact the clinic before your appointment to let them know - the number is on your appointment letter.

Items to Bring to Your First Appointment

Please ensure you bring the following items to your initial appointment:

• Your appointment letter or card
• Any medications you are currently taking, including inhalers and insulin
• If you are attending a diabetic clinic, please bring your blood sugar diary
• Any specialist x-ray films that may be required by your Consultant
• A medical card, if you have one
• Contact details - your mobile phone number and details for your next of kin
• GP’s name and contact details

Helpful Recommendations

Other things to bring that may be helpful include:

• your list of questions
• your notes about your medical history
• a notebook and pen or your phone to take notes
• medicines you may need while away at your appointment, for example, your inhaler
• a snack and drink - if you are not fasting or to have after your fast ends
• your glasses and hearing aids if you wear them
• something to pass the time, in case there is a delay
  

If you need physical help to get to the clinic, request a wheelchair at the main reception.

It is advisable to bring only one accompanying person, as seating is limited.

Children must be supervised at all times.

Clinic Procedures

For returning patients, please check in at the reception desk. We recommend not arriving more than 20 minutes before your appointment. The receptionist will check you in 15 minutes before your allocated time. During check-in, the receptionist will verify that your personal details are accurate. This is important as a follow-up letter will be sent to your GP. After check-in, you will be directed to the appropriate waiting area.

Some preliminary tests may be conducted before your appointment with the Consultant. These tests may include x-rays, blood pressure measurements, weight assessments, urinalysis, or ECGs.

At the time of your consultation you will receive an appointment slip to arrange any necessary follow-up appointments.

You may be provided with blood test forms. These can be completed immediately or may need an appointment for a fasting blood test. The phlebotomy room, where blood tests take place, is near the main entrance of the Outpatients Department. Their phone number is 045 849 884.

If you are attending a fracture clinic, your appointment may have been arranged by the Consultant who evaluated you. Your cast may be removed in the designated plaster room before seeing the Consultant.

OPD Clinics

Please refer to the Clinics page for the specific details of each.

Appointment Cancellation

If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, please either:

i) For new appointments – call the CRO 045 843095 or 045 849910

ii) For returning appointments - call the clinic number on your appointment slip or letter

It is important that you give as much notice as possible so your appointment may be allocated to another patient. A further appointment can be arranged.