Before your first appointment or test
We’ll let you know when and where your first appointment or test is by letter. Keep your letter in a safe place because it contains a lot of useful information – especially if you’re coming in for a test.
It’s really important you attend your appointment, but if you can’t do let us know straightaway so we can give that time to someone else.
Cancel or change your appointment
Most people do attend, but missed appointments cost your hospitals the equivalent of 200 nurses a year.
What to bring
Please bring along your appointment letter, as well as:
- any information we’ve requested in your appointment letter
- any medications you’re taking (including prescription, over the counter or off-the-shelf medication)
- cash to pay for new prescriptions or your exemption card if you have one.
Other information
Wait well, stay well
If you, or someone you know, is waiting for treatment or a procedure, NHS North East London has created their ‘Wait well, stay well’ website which houses lots of useful information to help people manage their health and wellbeing while waiting.
It includes the following information for patients:
- How to maintain your physical health
- How to look after your mental health
- Being prepared for surgery
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Links to routine waiting time information by specialty or Trust
- Other resources including links to local and national organisations and Royal Colleges.