- I have an appointment soon. Is my appointment still going ahead?
- You will receive a text message if there are changes to your appointment.
- If you haven't been notified of any changes, please continue to attend your appointment as normal.
- Why has my appointment been cancelled or changed?
- As we begin to open outpatient clinics, we are reviewing waiting lists and rebooking patients in order of priority.
- This means that we will be booking in the longest-waiting patients first unless there is a clinical need to see you sooner.
- This process will also allow us to offer outpatients both face-to-face and telephone appointments.
- My appointment has been cancelled - when will I get my new appointment?
- We will contact you as soon as an appropriate appointment is available if it is required.
- This may be a face-to-face or telephone consultation appointment.
- We apologies for any inconvenience this may cause and we thank you for your understanding.
- How will I know if I have a face-to-face appointment or a telephone appointment?
- The type of appointment you've been given will be clearly stated on the appointment confirmation text message that will be sent to your mobile number registered with us. If you have changed your telephone number or have not registered this with HMC before, please do so as soon as possible through calling the Nesma’ak customer number 16060.
- What should I do if I can't attend my appointment?
- Please let us know that you will not be attending, at the earliest opportunity.
- To reschedule your appointment, call 16060, or if you have received your appointment confirmation via text message, you can reply to the text with 'CHANGE' for alternatives, or 'CANCEL' if you don't want to be seen.
- I have an upcoming appointment at the hospital - do I need to wear a face covering or mask?
- Yes - all patients and visitors will need to wear a face covering or a face mask when entering the hospital building as part of the current COVID-19 infection control measures.
- You should bring your own face covering or mask, but we will provide you with one if needed.
- A member of staff will greet you at one of our main entrances to check the reason for your visit, how you are feeling and to ensure you are wearing a mask appropriately.
- For further information, please speak to a member of staff.
- Can my partner, family member, friend or carer accompany me to hospital for my appointment?
- We kindly ask that you attend your appointment alone.
- You can be accompanied by a partner, family member, friend or carer, if:
- You are a patient with a physical or mental disability, who would be unable to attend alone
- You are under the age of 18
- You have been given specific permission by a clinician.
- How should I socially distance myself from others in hospital?
- To maintain social distancing in waiting areas, please do not arrive any earlier than 5 to 10 minutes before your appointment.
- If you are early, you may be asked to return closer to your appointment time.
- We have also installed a number of signs and stickers to reinforce the social distancing regulations.
- You must keep two meters apart from other people and should walk on the left-hand side of corridors and stairs.
- Which entrance should I use to enter the hospital building?
- Please only use the Hospital main entrance
- If there is somebody entering or exiting the building before you, please wait your turn so we can ensure social distancing is maintained.
- You will not be permitted to enter the building through any other staff-only entrances.
- I don't feel comfortable coming to hospital for my appointment - what should I do?
- Please be assured that we have put in place social distancing measures in all entrances, corridors, lifts and waiting areas to protect our patients, visitors and staff.
- If you still prefer to change your appointment, please call 16060 at the earliest opportunity.
- What should I do if I have an upcoming telephone appointment?
- We will phone you, so please be available at the appointment time you've been given.
- You do not need to come into hospital for your appointment.
- You can speak to our clinician in the comfort of your own home.
