We have a number of specialist clinicians and allied health professionals in the department who could see you. This will depend on the type of orthopaedic problem you have. The outcome of your clinic appointment will be discussed between you and the clinician. Here are some of the possible outcomes.

Sent for investigation

You may be sent for an investigation. Following the investigation the clinical team may arrange for a further appointment (face-to-face, by telephone or by video technology) or write to you with the result.

Referred to another consultant

After your consultation it may be decided the opinion of another Clinical team is required. This could be to a consultant within the orthopaedic department who is more specialised with a specific orthopaedic problem or a consultant in another specialty if the diagnosis is not thought to be an orthopaedic problem.

Referred for second opinion

After your consultation it may be decided that another clinical opinion is required. This occurs when the reason for referral or the treatment of that condition is complex. It may be required when the best treatment is unclear or carries significant risks. It may also be required when the treatment itself may be challenging due to other medical issues.

Follow-up appointment

After the consultation it may be decided a review appointment is required . This may be by a face-to-face consultation, by telephone or using video technology (Near Me). These are used to assess response to management, to assess for progression of a condition or to allow patients time to reflect on a diagnosis and treatment options.

Added to surgical waiting list

Once you have completed your Orthopaedic Out-Patient Consultation, you may have had a discussion with your clinician with regard to being added to the Orthopaedic Inpatient Waiting List for surgery. If you are in agreement, you will be added to the Orthopaedic Inpatient Waiting List.

As a patient you have a responsibility to:

  • Keep your agreed hospital appointments and admissions
  • Let us know if you need to cancel an appointment or admission
  • Let us know if you are going to be unavailable for a period of time
  • Let us know if you change your name, address or telephone details

Waiting times for surgery vary depending on what operation is required. You will be contacted and offered a date for your surgery. You may be asked to attend a pre-assessment clinic prior to your surgery.

Discharged

After the consultation the clinical team may discharge you from clinic. This may be the case if there is no orthopaedic solution for your problem or if the clinical team have offered an alternative opinion and/or management plan. Should you wish a further appointment then a new GP referral would be required.

All outpatient appointment enquiries are directed through the booking team on 01592 729000 (open Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 16:30).