In Clinic Appointments

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Frequently Asked Questions/What to Expect

Who will I be seeing?

You will be seeing a fully qualified clinician (we have both Male and Female members within our service). You will be given your clinicians name when booking. If you have any preferences please let us know and we will accommodate you.

What will happen in my face to face appointment?

You and your clinician will discuss your history and symptoms. We will have a detailed conversation about what matters most to you. Sometimes we may need to do a physical check-up, this might include touch to feel how your muscles, bones or joints move or where something hurts. You can say no to any part of the check-up but please be aware this may limit our understanding of your condition.

On some occasions it may be necessary to move or take off some outer clothing so you can be examined. Wearing loose clothes like shorts and a t-shirt under your outer clothes can help. You will always be treated with kindness and respect and if you would like someone else (a chaperone) to be there with you, please let us know before you appointment.

You will then discuss advice on what to do next, including treatment options (as well as the risks and benefits) and decide together what treatment is right for you. You will also receive information to help manage your condition - this could include exercises and movement ideas, rehab plans you can do at home, and further tests (if needed).

Can I say no to a form of examination or treatment?

Yes, it is your choice to consent. You are always free to say no, or to ask for more information before you make up your mind.

How long will my appointment be?

Most first appointments are 30 minutes long. Spine and Physiotherapy/Osteopathy first appointments are 45 minutes, Pain are 60 minutes.
MSK follow-ups are 15 minutes. Physiotherapy/Osteopathy, Podiatry, and Pain follow-ups are 30 minutes.

Will my appointment be on time?

Our appointments normally run on time. On rare occasions your appointment may be a few minutes late due to unforeseen complications.
Please be on time for your appointment otherwise there may not be enough time to see/speak to you.

There is no one single answer to why we sometimes run late, but we’ve outlined a few of the more common reasons for clinicians and clinics to fall behind.

How do I change or cancel my appointment?

If you need to change or cancel your appointment please either call or email us with as much notice as possible. Which number or email address you should use will depend on your area, please see our Contact Us page for all contact details. Letting us know in advance that you are unable to attend allows us to offer your appointment to someone else who is waiting for care.

We understand that there are scenarios outside of our control, however, if an appointment is missed or cancelled more than once, your referral may need to be reviewed. In some cases this could result in you being removed (discharged) from the waiting list.

Feeling better?

If the problem you referred for has improved and you feel you no longer need to see us, please let us know so we can offer the appointment to someone else. 

Can I still be seen if I have a disability or have special requirements?

Yes. Help can be provided for anyone with special needs e.g. wheelchair use, deafness, visual disability, non-English speaking etc. Please contact us before your first appointment if you think you may require additional help.

Can I get hospital transport?

Transportation can only be provided on grounds of medical need and you will need to arrange this yourself for your appointments. Click here for more information about hospital transport options in your area.

What will happen after my appointment?

This will depend on whether you are seeing an Assessment & Rehabilitation Therapist (Physiotherapist/Osteopath) or an Advanced Practitioner. The What is Musculoskeletal page explains what may happen after your appointment/with your ongoing treatment.

For some of our clinics we will write an outcome letter. This letter will be addressed to you as the patient and we will routinely send a copy to the GP and any other organisations involved in your care.  Your clinician will talk to you to ensure you are happy for your clinic letter to be shared in this way.

If you choose to share sensitive information with us, we will talk to you about how this is worded in your letter.  It is really important to us that you are happy with this letter.  If you have some feedback for us or any questions, please get in touch.

How long will I wait for an appointment?

Our Wait Times page provides up to date waiting times for across our service as well as services we refer to.

Kindness and respect

Our staff and volunteers provide care with kindness and respect. We ask all patients and visitors to do the same. We follow a Violence Prevention & Reduction Policy, and action may be taken if staff, patients, or visitors are treated inappropriately.