Outpatient guide
Information for outpatients
Appointments: How to book, cancel or change an appointment
If you are unable to attend an outpatients appointment, please let us know as soon as you can (at least 48 hours' notice, where possible). Before you contact us, you will need the following information:- Your NHS number or case number
- Your date of birth (e.g. 01/01/1983)
- The appointment date and time (if known)
- Which service the appointment is for (e.g. outpatients, cardiology etc)
This information should all be on your appointment letter, if you have
received one.
There are several ways to book, cancel or change an appointment:
- Email – send an email to
westherts.appointments@nhs.net, containing the information above, and we
will get back to you.
For 2 Week Wait appointments, email westherts.2wwteam@nhs.net. -
Webchat –
You can use our web chat function to book, rearrange or cancel an outpatient
appointment. This service is manned by our Outpatients team and is available
between 8.30am-4.45pm, Monday to Friday. If you message outside of those
times, the team will get back to you when they are next in the office – you
will need to return to this page to see the response. Please note, you will
need your
NHS number. Click on the logo in the bottom right-hand corner to begin. - Phone – call our outpatients contact centre on 0300 303
5929 (8.30am-4.45pm, Monday to Friday) or use the appropriate number below:
- 2 Week Wait Appointments: 0300 303 5923
- Paediatric outpatients in Watford General Hospital: 01923 217720
- Paediatric outpatients in Hemel Hempstead Hospital: 01442 287309
- Patient Portal - Log in or register for the Patient Portal and click the "Appointments" tile. Your upcoming appointments will be displayed. Click on an appointment to cancel or reschedule. Please note: some types of appointment cannot be cancelled via the Portal and you'll need to use the alternate methods above. Find out more about the Patient Portal.
Preoperative assessments
For all Adult Preoperative assessment appointments (patients aged 16 years and above)
Phone: 01727 897 140
Email:
westherts.pre-opassessment@nhs.net
Video consultations
We are offering video consultations to some of our patients. The decision to offer this type of appointment will be made by a medical professional depending on your individual care needs.
Video consultations are easy to use and are often more convenient – saving you time and money.
Attend Anywhere is a secure web-based system only for patients with pre-arranged video consultation appointments.
We offer Outpatient appointments at three hospital sites. Your appointment letter or card will notify you where your appointment is to be held. The information below applies to all of the sites, but you may wish to look at more site specific information, e.g. directions and journey planning, so please click on the appropriate site below.
- Watford General Hospital information
- St Albans City Hospital information
- Hemel Hempstead Hospital information
Due to building work for the new fracture unit, access to our Outpatients department at Watford General Hospital has changed. The original internal route (left, past the main reception) is closed and access is now via a dedicated external entrance next to the post room. Clear, improved signage directs patients to a brand new reception area.
What you should bring
Your appointment letter, your current personal contact details (address, phone number, GP name and address) and any medication you are currently taking.
Arrival
On arrival at the hospital, please report to the reception desk indicated in your appointment letter. Show your appointment letter to the receptionist who will check your personal details and direct you to the appropriate waiting area.
If you have any disability that may affect you during your visit (for example, hard of hearing), please notify the reception staff.
New patients
On your first visit to a clinic, it may be necessary to undergo certain tests and x-rays before and after seeing the doctor, so please allow time for this.
Waiting times
We aim to see everyone within 30 minutes of their appointment time; however, from time to time there may be unforeseen delays, for example: medical emergencies. We endeavour to minimise your waiting time and will keep you informed of any delays.
Medical staff
The medical staff work in teams, each under the direction of a consultant. You will not necessarily see the same doctor each time, but the one you see will always be familiar with the details of previous visits.
Nursing staff
Each clinic has a member of nursing staff available if you have any worries or concerns.
Medical students
As a teaching trust, education and learning is important to us so there may be medical students present during your consultation. Please let us know if you would rather see the doctor alone.
Drugs
Please inform the doctor or nurse if you are currently taking any tablets, medicines or eyedrops. These should be brought with you when you attend clinic. If you are prescribed any medication by the hospital, the doctor will give you a prescription. Unless you are exempt from paying prescription charges you will be required to pay in the usual way.
Eye clinics
If you are attending the eye clinic and you wear glasses for reading or for distance vision please bring your glasses with you.
Hospital transport
Hospital transport is not generally available unless your medical condition warrants it and you have no other way of getting to the hospital. If transport has been booked, but you no longer require assistance, please contact the Patient Transport Liaison Office on 01245 444584.
Travelling expenses
If you are on any DSS Allowances, or qualify as 'low income' and require help with travelling expenses, leaflet HC11 can be obtained from the DSS or from the Patient Affairs Office. These give advice on how to reclaim any expenses incurred.
Departure
On completion of your consultation, please ensure that you make your next appointment with the receptionist (if necessary). If you would like any further information or advice, please ask your nurse.
Refreshments
Watford: The Dining Room restaurant is located in a building almost opposite the main building. There is a Peabody's coffee shop located near the main reception.
Hemel Hempstead: The All Good Coffee Co shop is located as you walk through to the Outpatient reception desk, level 2, Verulam Wing.
St Albans: The All Good Coffee Co shop is located in the main entrance before entering the Outpatient reception area.
No Smoking Policy
Smoking is not permitted inside any of the trust’s premises or anywhere in the grounds. Patients, members of the public and staff are not allowed to smoke on our hospital sites.
Translating and Interpreting
The Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS) can book a professional interpreter in advance for our patients. Please ask if you require this service prior to your appointment. To book an interpreter, contact PALS on 01923 217198 or westherts.pals@nhs.net.
