Outpatients

The following information will help you to prepare for your outpatient appointment at the Sir William Gowers Centre. If you have any questions about your appointment, please contact us on 01494 917 170.

On arrival in clinic

Your appointment letter should tell you where to go but if you are at all unsure please check at our main reception in Passmore Edwards House.

Please inform the receptionist who will check you in and let the consultant know of your arrival.

Waiting in clinic

Seating space in our clinics is limited so if you need to have someone to accompany you we kindly ask you to keep this to one or two relatives/friends/carers per patient.  Delays can occur but our staff should always tell you the reason.  If you have a specific reason why waiting is difficult please let us know.  If you feel concerned about your waiting time please speak to the clinic receptionist.

Patients are seen in order of their appointment time, not in order of arrival.

How the clinics work

Each clinic has its own routine and team of medical staff.  If you have any queries or need advice regarding your treatment the clinical staff will be happy to advise you.  If you have any queries about future appointments or transport the clinic receptionist will be pleased to help.

To help you identify staff, ID badges are worn giving each individual’s name and occupation.

Every patient is under the care of a consultant but you may be seen by another doctor in the team or an epilepsy specialist nurse who will discuss your medical condition and treatment with you.

During your consultation

Your doctor and clinical team will make sure you are involved in any discussions or decisions about your treatment.  You are entitled to a clear explanation of your condition and your treatment choices, including any risks or benefits there may be, so please ask if there is anything you are unsure about.

Teaching and research

Epilepsy Society is a major participant in epilepsy research so we may ask your permission for other medical professionals to sit in during your consultation. You do not need to have anyone present if you are worried or uncomfortable with this.  You could also be asked to take part in a research project while you are a patient with us.  We will always ask for your consent and you will be told fully what is involved. You do not have to consent to any research should you prefer not to participate.

Your care will not be affected in any way if you choose not to take part in teaching or research.

After Your Appointment

Follow-up appointment

You may need a follow-up appointment after your consultation and the receptionist will arrange this for you before you leave. A letter will be sent to your GP - please let us know if you wish to receive a copy of this letter.

Prescriptions

If the doctor decides that you require medication and it is necessary for treatment to start immediately you will be given a prescription for a minimum of two weeks supply from the hospital.  After this time you will need to get a further supply from you GP.  If you are given a prescription you will need to collect this from our on-site pharmacy. Hospital prescriptions cannot be taken to your local chemist.  If you have epilepsy, you are entitled to free prescriptions for your medication. To apply for a medical exemption certificate (or MedEx), you need to fill in form FP92A from your GP.

Should you require a taxi after your appointment please ask the clinic receptionist who will be happy to arrange this for you.

Attending Or Cancelling Your Appointment

What to bring with you

• Your appointment letter
• Any medicines you are taking (prescribed, over-the-counter or herbal)
• Money for prescriptions or proof that you do not have to pay
• A list of questions you would like to discuss with your consultant
• Your GP’s name, address and telephone number
• Any mobility aids, hearing aids or spectacles you use.

Please allow at least two hours for your appointment and longer if you are coming for tests.  It is a good idea to bring 24 hours’ worth of medication with you in case of any delays.

Changing or cancelling your appointment 

Please call 01494 917 170 if you wish to confirm, reschedule or cancel your outpatient appointment.  Operation hours for number is 08:45 to 17:00 Monday to Friday.

Non-attendance

If you miss your appointment and don't let us know beforehand you will be recorded as 'did not attend'.  If this is an isolated event you will be sent another appointment. If you miss two or more appointments you may have to go back to your GP to be re-referred.