How will I get there?
If travelling by car, there is parking (including Blue badge spaces) close to the entrance to the department. There is a local bus stop close by.
If you need hospital transport, please contact the PTS (Ambulance Booking Line) on 0300 3003434. To make a booking you or a relative/friend will need your name, date of birth, address and GP details. You will need to say if you are able to travel by car. If you are struggling with this, please ring the clinic on 01332 254831 and our admin staff will do their best to help you.
How long is my appointment?
Your appointment will take about 2 ½ hours. This may seem like a long time, but you will be assessed individually by a team of different professionals. This means that your assessment will be in-depth and thorough, enabling us to agree the most appropriate treatment for you.
Interpreter? If you need an interpreter, please tell us before your appointment so there is not a delay to you being seen in clinic.
Who will I see?
You will be seen by a team of healthcare professionals known as the MDT (Multi-disciplinary Team). The MDT consists of:
- Consultant (doctor) who has a special interest in older people, falls and frailty.
- Registered nurse who can provide advice about a wide range of health problems.
- Occupational therapist who can provide advice about ways to help you maintain your
independence in everyday life and complete a memory screen.
- Physiotherapist who can improve your mobility, strength and balance.
- If needed, we can refer you to a Dietitian or Speech and Language Therapist.
What will happen to me while I am there?
You will spend 30 minutes with each member of the MDT.
- You should be prepared to answer various questions and discuss your problems and concerns.
- You may be asked to demonstrate how you walk or get out of a chair.
- You should also expect to have a physical examination.
When your assessment has been completed:
- You may or may not need any further treatment.
- You may need further medical investigation.
- You may be invited to an exercise programme.
Future appointments are 30 or 45 minutes.
Do I have to come on my own?
No, we are happy for you to bring a relative or friend. It can sometimes be helpful if someone who knows you well comes with you, particularly if you have difficulty remembering things.
How can I make sure I do not forget to tell you something important?
We will send a questionnaire for you to fill in with the support of your family/carers, particularly if they are unable to come with you to your appointment. Use this to write down any concerns or thoughts you may want to raise at your appointment.
What about meals and drinks?
Some appointments run over lunch time, so you may wish to bring something to eat and drink with you. Water fountains are available.
The ‘Bistro’ café is near junction 4.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
- Medication - please bring your repeat prescription or a list of the medications you take regularly, including over the counter medications.
- Walking aids - it is useful for us to assess you with your own walking aids. If you are unable to bring them, we have walking frames and sticks that you can borrow while you are in the clinic.
- Wheelchairs - are available in the department.
- Tights - please do not wear tights to your appointment.
- Reading glasses - if you use glasses, please bring them to your appointment.
- Hearing aids - if you use these, please bring them to your appointment.
