Do I need to be referred?
All orthopaedic services can be accessed through GP or consultant referral. Many consultants and services allow self referral but patients will need to check with the individual service or physician and with any insurance provider to see if this is acceptable. All imaging and most pathology (blood) tests require either a GP or consultant referral.

What will happen at my appointment?
When you arrive, ask the reception staff for the location of your physician's consulting room.

Once you are in the correct outpatient area, the cashiers staff will take your details or ask you to confirm that the details they already hold for you are correct.

Your consultant will see you in the outpatient department and will arrange any further investigations or treatments as required.

What happens after my appointment?
We are pleased to offer you a comprehensive service, being able to both diagnose your condition and treat you in the same centre. Your results will be discussed with you and your consultant will recommend the advisable treatment for your condition. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have. If surgery is needed your consultant will explain the procedure and what you are to expect.

You will then either be discharged, provided with a treatment plan or booked in for surgery as appropriate.

What happens when I'm admitted for surgery?
Your consultant's secretary or a member of the admissions team will give you an arrival time and preoperative instructions including those relating to eating and drinking.  You will most likely be asked to stop eating in advance of your arrival.  The length of time you need to be nil by mouth will depend on the time and type of operation you are having.

When you arrive, come to the main entrance in Grove End Road and notify the receptionist of your arrival. A member of the Admissions Team will show you to your room where you will meet your nurse who will help you settle in.

Once you are settled, essential medical information will be taken and you will be given the opportunity to discuss your procedure with a member of the medical team. Any queries you may have regarding your treatment will then be answered. If you are diabetic or have any other preexisting conditions you may be required to discuss this with a member of the medical team prior to your arrival.

Although your consultant is not in the Hospital day and night, we have a team of specialist registrars and nurses who remain in the Hospital 24 hours a day and are in close contact with your consultant at all times.

How do I pay for treatment?

It is our policy that all planned treatments are either authorised by your insurer/sponsor prior to admission or payment is received for estimated costs in advance of treatment. An estimate of consultation fees and costs of any other investigation or surgery are available on request

You will be responsible for the settlement of your account if you are paying for your treatment youself (self pay) and until your medical insurer settles your whole account. Patients are also responsible for any additional costs arising from hospital stays including telephone charges.

If you hold private healthcare, most medical insurers will request a referral from your GP or consultant before agreeing to cover the costs. You should contact them before your first appointment and if there is any doubt as to whether or not they will fund your treatment, you should inform us immediately.  If undergoing a course of investigation or treatment, it is advisable to contact your insurer periodically to keep them up to date and ensure that all your visits are fully covered.

Most insurance companies will pay for medications issued to inpatients for use during their time in hospital but many companies will not pay for any medications prescribed for patients to take home.