Appointments at the John Radcliffe, Churchill and Horton
If, for any reason, you are not able to keep your appointment, please tell us as soon as possible so that your appointment can be given to another patient.
If you change your GP or your home address, please contact us so that we can update our records.
Making/changing your appointment
If you need to change your appointment please refer to your appointment letter and use telephone the number indicated.
Most outpatient appointments for the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Horton General Hospital are handled through the Patient Contact Centre.
Patient Contact Centre
Appointments - contact details
Please have as much information as possible to hand when you contact us, for example:
- type of appointment
- date and time of appointment
- your name
- your date of birth
- MRN / NHS number
- reason for cancelling your appointment
- if you require another appointment and if so, the dates and times you are available.
Maternity ultrasound
For Maternity Services > Antenatal Services > Ultrasound and imaging services, please see:
Ultrasound and imaging services
Cancellations
Cancellations by you
We know that sometimes there are good reasons why people can't make their appointments, but it's important that you let us know as soon as possible if you cannot attend or no longer want your appointment.
Missing an appointment could mean missing out on important medical treatment, or having to wait longer than you should for treatment.
If you fail to attend your outpatient appointment you will not automatically be given another appointment.
Cancellations by us
We regret that, due to medical emergencies and unforeseen circumstances, we may sometimes have to cancel appointments. If this does happen, we will arrange a new appointment for you as soon as possible.
What happens if you miss your appointment
Initial appointments
If you do not attend your appointment without cancelling beforehand, you may be discharged and referred back to your GP.
This does not apply to you if you have an urgent appointment, such as referral from your GP for suspected cancer, or if the appointment is for a child or vulnerable adult. Maternity cases will be offered one further appointment.
Follow-up appointments
The procedure is slightly different if you are attending for a follow-up appointment, i.e. if you have previously attended at least one appointment in the clinic.
If you do not attend a follow-up appointment, your notes will be reviewed by a consultant in the clinic. Provided there is no urgent medical reason for you to be given another appointment, a letter will be sent to you and your GP explaining that you have missed your appointment. Your GP can then re-refer you if necessary.
If the consultant feels it is important for you to attend the clinic, you will be sent another appointment. If you miss the appointment for a second time, you will automatically be discharged from the clinic. A letter will be sent to you and your GP, who can re-refer you if necessary.
Last reviewed:27 May 2022