We know that waiting for an appointment, test or operation can be worrying, and we want to support you during this time. While you wait, there are simple things you can do to help your health and wellbeing. We call this Waiting Well.

To stay as healthy as possible while waiting for care, try to:

  • Eat healthy food and drink plenty of water
  • Keep at a healthy weight
  • Keep active
  • Take care of your mental wellbeing
  • Cut down on alcohol, or stop if you can
  • Stop smoking, or cut down if you’re not able to stop, even with help

Our Waiting Well section brings together helpful health and wellbeing advice in one place. There is information about staying well, what to do if you have questions, and what to expect when you come to hospital.

If you are waiting for an appointment, test or procedure

Find out more

If you are waiting for an operation

Find out more 

Preparation you need to make before coming to hospital

We will send you an appointment. This may be a letter in the post or an electronic letter through our Patient Portal. It will tell you the date, time and type of appointment.

The appointment may be:

  • A virtual appointment by phone or video
  • A face-to-face appointment at a hospital site

We will also send any other important information. For more information, visit the preparing for your appointment section of the website.

Useful links

Frequently asked questions

If you have questions about what you need to do, please visit the our services page. Many of our departments have more information which may answer some of your questions.

If you need to change your appointment or update your details, please visit the changing your appointment page. Use this link or phone the number on your appointment letter.

If you no longer need your appointment, please contact us using the same link.

The time between us getting your referral and you coming to the hospital can vary as waiting times depend on the type of procedure.

For more information about waiting times, please visit the My Planned Care website.

Contact us if you are worried about the health problem that you have been referred to the hospital about. Phone the number that is on your appointment letter or use this link to the hospital departments page.

When to talk to your GP if you are worried about your health:

· If you have not yet had your referral accepted.

· If you are worried about a different health problem or new symptoms

Operations and procedures may be cancelled or the date changed for different reasons. Please contact the number that is on your appointment letter to ask for more details.

Appointments may be changed if there are not enough staff available for the test or procedure to go ahead safely.  Sometimes changes are made if your current health means it is not safe to go ahead at that time with the procedure. This website can help you look after yourself and your health while you are waiting to help reduce this happening.

We know it can be a difficult time if your appointment is changed, but your safety is important to us.