What to expect

What to bring with you

The hospital staff will already have details about your condition, but please bring the following with you:

• your appointment card or appointment letter
• your personal details, such as your address, full postcode and a contact number
• your GP's address and telephone number
• details of any medicines or tablets you are taking (if possible please bring these in their original containers)
• proof of exemption from payment of prescription charges, where applicable.
  

Waiting

Although we do our best to see patients on time, delays do sometimes occur.

We will tell you if there is a delay. After your appointment you may need to have blood tests or X-rays (this can be as part of the appointment, not necessarily afterwards). This means that you may have to spend longer at the hospital. Your appointment letter should give you an idea of how long your appointment will take.

When you see the doctor

Ask the doctor to explain anything that you don't understand and discuss anything that is worrying you. You are entitled to a clear explanation of any proposed treatment, including any risks involved and any alternatives, before you decide to agree to it.

At your appointment, you may be seen by the consultant in charge of your care, or another doctor who works on the consultant's team.

If you are asked to make another appointment, please book this with the clinic receptionist before you leave.

Students

Oxford University Hospitals is a teaching Trust, therefore medical students, under the supervision of trained staff, are often involved in the care of patients.

We will ask you if you are happy for students to be involved in your care. If you do not wish to be seen by a student, please let your nurse or doctor know.

If you do agree to be seen by a student, decisions about your treatment and care will still be made by trained staff, not by the student.

Prescriptions

If the hospital doctor prescribes new or different medicine, they will normally write and inform your GP who will then prescribe for you.

If the hospital doctor thinks you should start the new or different medicine urgently, they will give you a prescription to take to a high street pharmacy; for some medicines they will give you a prescription to take to the hospital pharmacy.

The standard NHS prescription fee will be charged in all cases, unless you are exempt from charges. If you are, you will need to provide proof of your exemption.