Rearrange or cancel appointment - Saint Mary's Hospital

Update for patients re: routine outpatient appointments

We have made the unprecedented decision to temporarily suspend upcoming routine outpatient appointments in response to the extraordinary COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation.

If you have received a letter advising you that your appointment(s) has been cancelled then you must not attend

If you have not received a letter then you SHOULD attend your planned appointment at the hospital unless you have received a telephone call from the hospital indicating that you now have a telephone appointment.

We have taken these steps because the NHS needs to divert staff and resources away from routine activity to support an increased need for critical care.

If you did have an appointment scheduled please be assured that your case will be reviewed by our clinical teams to identify the most appropriate next steps for you. We will then contact you again to let you know what will happen next. This may take some time depending on how the national situation develops.

If you have concerns about medications that you normally collect from the Hospital Pharmacy, we are making plans to ensure you receive your medication. This may not be through the Hospital Pharmacy and we are looking at alternative arrangements, for example with local pharmacists. If this affects you we will be in touch to confirm the arrangements.

You should now await further communication from the Hospital, please do not contact us as we will be in contact with you in due course either via letter or telephone.

We do understand that this may be difficult for you and we appreciate your patience in light of this unprecedented situation.

We are sorry for any inconvenience and anxiety the cancellation of your appointment may cause. Thank you for your support to the NHS and the wider community at this time.

Your appointment letter will give you the time, date and location of your appointment. It is very important that you attend the appointment. If, for any reason, you need to cancel or rearrange an appointment or an operation, please see the details below to find out how to contact the right team.

Gynaecology (Oxford Road Campus)

Benign Gynaecology

(0161) 701 0754 (8.30 am – 4.30 pm)

Reproductive Medicine (New Saint Mary’s)

(0161) 276 6000 (8.30 am – 4.30 pm)

Warrell Unit (Uro-gynaecology)

(0161) 276 6332 (8.30 am – 4.30 pm)

Colposcopy

(0161) 276 6365 (8.30 am – 4.30 pm)

Oncology

(0161) 701 7552 (8.30 am – 4.30 pm)

Maternity (Obstetrics) – Oxford Road Campus

Antenatal

(0161) 276 6409 / (0161) 276 6377 (8.30 am – 5.00 pm)

Your operation

If you are not able to attend for surgery or you wish to change it to a more convenient time, please tell us as soon as possible so we can give your appointment to another patient.

You can change or cancel your operation date by calling the service where you are being treated – you will find contact details either on your appointment letter.
To help us deal with your request as quickly as possible, please ensure that you provide the following information:

• Your full name
• Your NHS number or date of birth
• A contact telephone number or email address
• The date your surgery is booked for

If you cannot attend and do not notify us in advance, you might not be automatically issued with a new appointment and could have to return to your GP to make a new appointment with us. Please see our patient access, booking and choice policy for more information.

Information regarding your appointment

Reclaiming travel costs

If you are claiming benefits or are on a low income, you may be entitled to reclaim all or part of your travel costs. Please take your receipts with proof of your entitlement to benefits to the Cashiers’ Office. This is open Monday – Friday, 9.00 am – 1.00 pm and 1.30 – 4.00 pm. Please note that taxi fares are not reimbursed. For further information contact the Hospital Travel Cost Scheme Helpline on 0845 850 1166, website: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk.

Please leave plenty of time to find a parking space as the car parks are busy.

Ambulance transport

If you have medical needs that require ambulance transport, you must contact your GP to arrange this for your first visit.

Prescriptions

If you are given a hospital prescription by the doctor this can only be dispensed by the Hospital Pharmacy, which is located on the ground floor of the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and is open from 9.00 am until 5.00 pm, Monday – Friday. Delays are possible so please be aware of this when planning your journey.

Alcohol/recreational drugs

Alcohol and recreational drugs are not permitted on hospital premises. Patients or visitors who are considered to be intoxicated or in possession of alcohol or recreational drugs will be asked to leave the hospital.

Infection control

Hand washing is the most effective way of stopping the spread of germs and bacteria. Always wash your own hands and insist that others wash theirs to protect you. You should always wash your hands:

After visiting a toilet.
After changing nappies.

You should also use alcohol gel dispensers where available.

Teaching and training

We are involved in teaching medical, nursing and other students and because of this there may be students in the clinic.

Staff will ask you beforehand if you would mind students being present. Although we would appreciate your agreement, we do realise that you may wish to talk with the doctor/nurse privately. We will always respect your wishes and whatever you decide will not affect your treatment in any way.

What will I need to bring?

You will need to bring all medicines, inhalers, creams or other medications that you use in their original packaging (if possible) or any records you may have about your condition.

What facilities are available?

A restaurant and coffee shop are available on the ground floor of the hospital and there is also a shop opposite the out-patient department. Breastfeeding/baby changing facilities are available; please ask staff. A multi-faith prayer room is available on the ground floor and first floor of the hospital site. If you wish to speak to a faith leader, please ask a member of staff.

What will happen when I arrive?

You will need to book in at the reception desk. The receptionist will check that your details are correct. You will be advised where to wait.

We would ask you to be patient as appointments vary. Patients are seen in the order of their appointment time. Sometimes it appears patients are seen ‘out of turn’ but this is normally because they are seeing a different clinician. A member of staff will call your name. You may have your weight, height and blood pressure checked and may need to provide a urine or blood sample. It may be necessary to carry out further tests on the day of the appointment so please allow time for this when planning your visit.

At the end of your visit an appointment sheet will be given to you to hand in at the reception desk. It is important that you do not forget to arrange your next appointment before you leave. If you require an ambulance please let the receptionist know.

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