Outpatients

To cancel or change your appointment please telephone the number on your appointment letter. This may allow us to give your appointment time to another patient. Please do not attend if you think you could have COVID-19, flu or diarrhoea and vomiting. 

If you fail to attend without telling the clinic in advance, we may return you back to the care of your GP. This is in line with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Did Not Attend and Cancellation Policy.

The hospital uses an automated voice system to remind you about your appointment. This system asks if you will be attending your appointment. If not, we will give your appointment to another patient.

If you do not wish to receive the reminder call, please contact us at the telephone number or email address included in your letter.

If you need help with any of the following please telephone the number on your appointment letter, before your appointment:

• Sight, hearing or require an interpreter 
• Mobility, specialised equipment or any other need.

In some of our hospitals, we have a new patient check-in system for outpatients. This system uses a simple touch screen computer.

If you have any concerns or trouble using the new system you can ask one of the guides for help or go directly to the clinic reception desk.

Where the new system has not been installed, please go directly to the clinic reception desk to check-in.

Please hand your appointment letter to the receptionist, who will direct you to the waiting area.

If clinics are running late we will tell you and give you an update.

• Your appointment letter
• A note of all medicines you currently take including any vitamins, herbal, homeopathic or alternative remedies
• Repeat prescription list (if any)
• Any questions you may have for the doctor (You may want to write these down before you visit).

• Multiple clinics may run at the same time and may have different timings. This doesn’t mean you are taken out of turn
• The length of an appointment can vary so please make sure you have time to wait in case of delays. At your appointment you may have tests carried out. If surgery is part of your treatment plan, your appointment may include a pre-operative assessment (a health check for your surgery) on the same day
• You will see a consultant, a member of their team or a nurse. You may have a friend or relative present when you see them
• If you need further appointments, we will discuss this with you
• As soon as test results are known, we will contact your GP. Please check with your GP practice that they have your results before making an appointment
• Some tests or scans are sent to your hospital consultant not your GP. We will tell you this at the time of your test or scan
• You have a right to a second opinion. If you feel this is necessary please ask the consultant in charge of your care
• If you wish, you can access your health records. A senior member of staff will be able to advise you how to do this.

If you need help with any of the following please telephone the number on your appointment letter, before you visit:

• Sight, hearing or require an interpreter
• Mobility, specialised equipment or any other need.

The hospital operates a Smokefree Policy. This means no smoking in any NHS building, entrance, doorway, grounds or car park. This also includes the use of electronic cigarettes or the use of vaporisers.

At your appointment, you can expect staff to treat you with dignity and respect. Equally, we expect our staff to be treated the same. Abusive or violent behaviour will not be tolerated and we will consider prosecuting any person whose behaviour is unacceptable.

An important part of our work in hospital is the teaching and training of students in medical, nursing and other professions.

You have a right to decide whether or not you wish to take part in student teaching or medical research. We will ask you about this before your consultation.

Most hospitals have a quiet room or sanctuary available places of peace, meditation and prayer. Everyone is welcome to use them.

Leaflets are available within the hospital on treatments, specific conditions and on health improvement. Please ask your nurse.

Please ask staff to direct you to the nearest Café or find more information here:

They are available on many of our sites.