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Patients & Carers

Alternative choice

From 31 October 2023, patients over the age of 18 who have been waiting more than 40 weeks, and do not have an appointment date within the next eight weeks, will be contacted by their hospital to see if they could be seen sooner elsewhere.  

The Patient Initiated Digital Mutual Aid System (PIDMAS) is an online platform that has been developed nationally to support patients to be seen more quickly. It is part of our NHS efforts to reduce elective waiting lists.  

If you are eligible, you will receive a SMS and/or letter with the option to opt in, from Tuesday 31 October 2023.

If you have been waiting over 40 weeks and have not been contacted, please do not contact your hospital or GP. We will be in contact once we have arranged a date for your appointment, or if you are eligible to be invited to consider an alternative hospital to receive your treatment.

Coming to Hospital

Please tell us as soon as possible if you can't make your appointment by calling the number on your admission letter.

Visitors & Carers

In line with the Government’s new guidance, we have updated our visiting arrangements.

Feedback

We want to know what you, your family and friends think about the services we provide.

Cancelling an Appointment

We want to reduce the number of missed outpatient appointments allowing us to treat more patients.

Texts and emails about your hospital appointments

Find out about receiving information about you appointment by text and email

Smoking

We aim to be a smokefree site. We are keen to help people stop smoking. Call the NHS smoking advice service on 0800 0224332 or see your GP, the benefits begin the minute you stop.

Community support

If you are self-isolating and need some help with your shopping, getting medication, or just someone to call, if you live in:

British Sign Language Video Communication

InterpretersLive! Contact us via a BSL Interpreter

Patients & Carers