As this guidance is frequently changing, it will be updated regularly.
Is the Outpatients Department closed?
No, the Outpatient Department is open, but we have made changes to the way we conduct some outpatient appointments. We will in some instances where appropriate conduct some appointments via telephone or video. You will be notified if your appointment is face to face, telephone or video six weeks before the appointment date.
Do you have my correct phone number? How can I check?
We will have collected your phone number when you last attended the hospital. If it is your first attendance the GP will have supplied us with this information.
If you have recently changed number or are unsure whether we have the correct information, please advise us on 01253 957097.
I want to change my appointment time. How do I do that?
Please contact us using the telephone number at the top of your appointment letter.
Which hospital / sites does this apply to?
This applies to all sites that Blackpool Teaching Hospitals operate outpatient services from, which includes: Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Clifton Hospital, Lytham Primary Care Centre and Fleetwood Hospital.
Face-to-Face Appointments
I do not want to attend my appointment alone. Am I allowed to bring someone along to my appointment for support?
Outpatients are allowed one person to attend their appointments with them as long as they comply with the Trust’s rules around restrictions.
Patients in all services needing additional support
An additional nominated individual (not classed as a visitor) to provide support. This may be to help meet the patients’/ individual’s needs and could include:
- A patient/individual with mental health needs.
- Any cognitive impairment.
- Communication challenges such as visual or hearing impairment.
- When the patient is receiving significant/bad news
- English is not the first language
- Mobility assistance
- Other considerations for extended/additional visiting should be considered using an individual risk-based approach.
Restrictions
You MUST not visit or attend an appointment with a patient if you or they:
- If they are COVID-19 positive.
- If they have been in close contact of someone who is COVID-19 positive they should avoid visiting due to the immunity vulnerability of patients.
- If they have any symptoms of COVID-19.
- If you are unwell with new symptoms of acute illness.
- If any local or national lockdown restrictions are in place that would not support inpatient visiting.
Visitors and patients should cleanse their hands on entering and leaving the hospital (this stops other germs) and entering and leaving clinical areas.
Do I need to wear a face mask?
You are not required to wear a facemask unless this is personal preference, or you are attending areas where universal masking remains in place such as haematology / oncology.
I or a member of my household has symptoms – can I still attend my appointment?
Only patients who are asymptomatic should attend their outpatient appointment. If you think you may have symptoms or have had a positive test for Covid-19, please do not attend your appointment and inform the hospital of your status.
Telephone Appointments
Will you send me notes / a transcript of my call?
No, a transcript of your call will not be available. The clinician will dictate a letter following the consultation as per normal procedures and may take additional notes. These are recorded in your patient case notes – a copy of which can be requested at any time through Data Access by calling (01253) 952518.
Is it OK for me to record my call?
Yes, but you must inform the health professional that you will be recording the call so they can add this to your patient case notes, including responsibilities and any concerns discussed. This should be only used to support you and be for your personal use only. You are responsible for keeping it safe and secure.
I’m elderly and I’m suspicious of ‘scam’ calls. What number will the call come from? How do I know that the person I’m speaking to is who they claim to be?
Our calls will only come from one of the three numbers below:
- 01253 300000
- 01253 650001
- 01253 308200.
Will you send me the name of the caller beforehand so I know who to expect?
You will be called by the named clinician on your appointment letter or a member of their team.
I won’t take calls at home because I don’t trust it. I want a phone number I can call back on.
If you are uncomfortable with us calling you, please call the Appointments Office on 01253 953540 and we will try to make alternative arrangements for your appointment.
Will I be asked to give out any passwords or bank details?
No. We will never ask for such information.
In line Trust Information Governance policy, we will only ask you to confirm the following:
- Title
- Date of Birth
- Address including postcode
- Contact numbers
- GP name
- GP surgery address
- Marital status
- Religion
- Ethnic origin,
- Are you are a permanent resident in the UK?
For more information, including how to look after yourself and your loved ones, just visit our COVID-19 page.
