Appointment FAQs
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Q1. I am on the waiting list at RJAH, how long I will have to wait for my appointment or surgery?
We are managing our waiting lists in line with clinical priority and all relevant national guidelines. However, it will take a long time for us to get back to where we want and need to be, as the impact of the pandemic has been severe.
We appreciate it is frustrating for you, but we cannot currently give you a timescale for your appointment or procedure. We will be in touch with you as soon as we can. If you are experiencing more pain, then we advise you to go and speak to your GP for advice and support.
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Q2. My symptoms have deteriorated - what should I do?
We advise you to go and speak to your GP for advice and support.
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Q3. My symptoms have improved, what should I do?
It is important that you let us know if you no longer require an appointment or surgery.
You can do this by emailing us on rjah.accesspatientqueries@nhs.net.
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Q4. I am unable to attend my appointment or surgery date, what should I do?
It is important that you give us as much notice as possible if you are unable to attend. Please also let us know if you no longer require an appointment or surgery.
You can do this by emailing us at rjah.accesspatientqueries@nhs.net.
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Q5. I have holidays booked or I’m unavailable to come into hospital for a period of time, what are my options?
It is important that you give us as much notice as possible so we can update our records.
Please email us at rjah.accesspatientqueries@nhs.net.
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Q6. Can I choose if I have a face-to-face or telephone appointment?
The type of appointment you have booked will have been determined by your consultant or clinician. Some appointments are not suitable to hold over the telephone.
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Q7. Will I get a reminder of my appointment date and time?
As long as we have an up-to-date mobile number for you then we can send you a text reminder, these are usually 7 days and then 1 day prior to your appointment.
If you wish to opt out of this reminder service you can email us at rjah.accesspatientqueries@nhs.net.
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Q8. What happens at Pre-Op?
This is an assessment to ensure that you are fit to proceed with surgery. The assessment is carried out by a nurse and one of your consultant’s team.
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Q9. I had my pre-op assessment 8 weeks ago and was told my surgery would be within 12 weeks but I haven’t heard anything?
Although we aim to offer you a date for surgery within this time, this isn’t always possible.
If you haven’t had a date for surgery within this time then please don’t panic we will get to you as soon as is possible
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Q10. What extra communication support is in available?
If you have any queries or need individual extra support (including help with communication support) when attending the hospital, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 01691 404606 or email rjah.pals.office@nhs.net.
The PALS team can also help with arranging an interpreter or a hearing loop, which can be organised prior to an appointment.