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Before your appointment

To help us make your visit run as smoothly as possible, please follow the guidance below.

Preparing for your outpatient appointment.

On this page

Before you arrive

  • Read your appointment letter carefully. Some clinics at West Suffolk Hospital and our community sites have specific instructions, such as arriving early for tests or bringing certain medications with you.
  • Arrive on time. If you are late, this may lead to additional waiting or your appointment being rescheduled.
  • Prepare your medical history. If you are a new patient, think about any previous illnesses, operations or known allergies so you can share these with the clinical team.
  • Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing if you may need an examination or tests.
  • Bring any samples requested in your appointment letter.
  • Bring a full list of your current medicines (or your GP medicine card, if you have one).
    If you are having difficulty with any of your medicines, please bring them in their original pharmacy containers so our clinicians can review them.

Getting the most out of your clinic appointment

As part of preparing for your appointment, it can help to think about the questions you want to ask. Shared decision making means you and your healthcare team work together to agree the best plan for you. The Ask 3 Questions approach can support this:

1. What are my choices?
2. What are the pros and cons of each option for me?
3. How do I get support to help me make a decision that is right for me?

Thinking about these questions before you arrive can help you understand your options and feel more confident during your consultation.

You may also want to:

  • Set goals: Consider what you want your care to achieve, such as reducing symptoms, improving mobility or managing medicines.
  • Seek support: If you need an interpreter, or would like a family member or friend to come with you, please arrange this before your appointment.

If you would find it helpful, you can use the Ask 3 Questions form included with your clinic letter. If you do not have a copy, you can request one when you check in or during your appointment.

Download the Ask 3 Questions form.

During your visit

  • At West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, several consultant clinics often run in the same area. This means patients arriving after you may sometimes be called in first because they are seeing a different clinician.
    If you feel you have been waiting longer than expected, please speak to the reception or nursing team — they will be happy to help.
  • All WSFT staff wear name badges. If you are unsure who someone is, please ask — our teams are here to support you.

If you are bringing children

  • If the appointment is for you, please avoid bringing young children wherever possible. While some clinics have limited play facilities, they may not always be suitable or available.