When you have booked an outpatient appointment you will receive an appointment letter. This will contain details of your first appointment, such as the date, time and where you need to go.
Your appointment letter will tell you where your appointment is being held. On your first visit to an outpatient clinic, it may be necessary to undergo certain tests and x-rays before or after seeing the doctor so please allow time for this.
Some translation services are available from within the hospital. Please ask if you require this service before your appointment.
When you arrive
On arrival, please report to the outpatients reception. Show your appointment letter or card to the receptionist who will check your personal details and ask you to take a seat. Please bring your appointment card with you each time you attend the hospital. If you have any disability which may affect you during your visit (for example if you are hard of hearing), please let our reception staff know.
Our outpatient department will for some people be the first contact they have with the Hospital. We aim to make this initial contact as beneficial for you as possible. We want you to feel at ease and have a full understanding of your care as you journey through outpatients. We aim to provide a high standard of nursing to enable you to have access to high quality care.
Our nursing team is led by Matron Rebecca Whittaker, assisted by three Sisters. You will also meet Staff Nurses, Advanced Practitioners and Health Care Assistants during your visit.
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 when there are medical emergencies. We will endeavour to minimise any waiting time and our information screens will keep you notified of any delays.
Your consultation
Each clinic will have an allocated Consultant. You may not see the Consultant at your appointment but may see a senior member of their team. Many clinics also have a Clinical Nurse Specialist working with them. We also run Nurse-Led Clinics for most specialities, where you will meet a Nurse who has specialist knowledge of your condition.
Medications
Please let us know if you are currently taking any tablets, medicines or eyedrops. These should be brought with you when you attend for your clinic appointment. If you are prescribed any medication at your appointment, the doctor will give you a prescription and you can get any medicines prescribed at the hospital pharmacy. Unless you are exempt from paying prescription charges, you will be asked to pay for your prescription in the usual way. The pharmacy is on level three of the main hospital (the same level as the main entrance).
After your consultation
As a result of your consultation it maybe necessary to have tests or procedures, the Clinic Nurse will direct and advise you. At the end of your consultation you will be handed a yellow sheet of paper, which we ask you to take back to Reception. You will be given any necessary further appointments at Reception.
Appointment cancellations
If you are unable to keep your appointment, please tell us as soon as possible and if possible give us at least 48 hours notice of your cancellation. Please contact us on 01935 475122.
Refreshments
While you are waiting for your appointment there is a coffee shop in the waiting area, providing hot and cold drinks as well as sandwiches, crisps and cakes etc. We also have a children’s play area to keep our younger visitors amused.
Wi-Fi
Patients, staff and guests can access a free Wi-Fi network at Yeovil Hospital offering 100% coverage and unlimited usage. Simply connect to the Public Wi-Fi network on your smartphone, tablet or laptop and you will be prompted to self-register by entering in your name and mobile telephone number. A free text message will be sent to your mobile phone with a username and password giving seven days of unlimited internet access. After seven days users can self-register again and continue to use the free Wi-Fi service.
