Coming to your appointment

Some appointments may now be done as a video consultation instead of face-to-face, if the professional in charge of your care decides this is suitable for you. Details will be in your appointment letter.

Some of our services visit schools or provide home appointments when needed. For directions, parking and facilities, please visit our locations page. If you have a question about your appointment, please contact the service directly using the details on your appointment letter or text message.

Please arrive around 10 minutes early to allow time to check in. When you book in at the reception or virtual check‑in kiosk, we’ll ask you to confirm your personal details, such as your address, GP and next of kin. Keeping your contact details up to date helps ensure you receive all important information about your care.

You are welcome to bring someone with you to your consultation. Children must be supervised at all times.

Children under 18 must attend their appointments with a parent or carer, to act as their chaperone.  

Please bring with you:

• A list of your current medicines
• Any samples requested
• Any questionnaires you were asked to complete
• Payment method for parking and prescriptions if needed

If there is anything else needed for your appointment, such as fasting or other preparation, this will be detailed in your letter/ text.  

In your appointment

You may see a consultant, a doctor from their team, a specialist nurse or a therapist, depending on the type of care you need.

The length of your appointment will vary depending on whether you need any tests. If tests or procedures are required, we’ll try to carry these out on the same day to avoid repeat visits. If that isn’t possible, we’ll arrange another appointment for you.

Some patients may be offered Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU). This means you can contact us for a follow‑up when you feel you need support, instead of attending routine appointments. Your clinician will explain if this is suitable for you and what to do next.

If you need surgery, you will be added to our waiting list, and we will contact you with an admission date once this has been scheduled.

We are committed to treating everyone with dignity, respect and compassion. We will always work to protect your privacy and independence, and if your care means we can’t do that, we will explain why and minimise any impact.

Changing or cancelling an appointment

If you need to cancel or rearrange, please call the Booking Team on 01204 390400 (Monday–Friday 8am–6pm, Saturday 8.30am–1pm) or email us. Letting us know in advance helps us offer the appointment to another patient.

If you miss an appointment without telling us, a clinician will review your notes and decide whether another appointment is needed based on clinical need. In most cases, you may be discharged back to your GP. Missed appointments cost the NHS money and delay care for other patients, so please do let us know if you are unable to come.

Transport to your appointment

You may be eligible for Patient Transport Services if you have a medical condition which could stop you getting to your appointment by any other means. This service is run by North West Ambulance Service.

To find out if you’re eligible, call 01204 390400, Monday-Friday 08:30-18:30.

Find out more information about transport options here.