What to expect at your clinic appointment
At the appointment you may undergo some investigations with a member of the multidisciplinary team, such as blood tests and height and weight measurements. You may receive some basic treatment at the time. A plan will be made with you regarding your ongoing care .
We outline some of the possible outcomes you may be offered below:
Sent for investigation
You may be sent for an investigation. Following the investigation the clinical team may arrange for a further appointment (face-to-face, by telephone or by video technology) or write to you with the result.
Referred to another consultant
After your consultation it may be decided the opinion of another Clinical team is required. This could be to a consultant within the orthopaedic department who is more specialised with a specific orthopaedic problem or a consultant in another specialty if the diagnosis is not thought to be an orthopaedic problem.
Referred for second opinion
After your consultation it may be decided that another clinical opinion is required. This occurs when the reason for referral or the treatment of that condition is complex It may be required when the best treatment is unclear or carries significant risks. A second opinion from another clinical professional may be required to decide what is best for you.
Follow-up appointment
After the consultation it may be decided a review appointment is required . This may be by a face-to-face consultation, by telephone or using video technology (Near Me). These are used to assess response to management, to assess for progression of a condition or to allow patients time to reflect on a diagnosis and treatment options.
Added to surgical waiting list
Once you have completed your Orthopaedic Out-Patient Consultation, you may have had a discussion with your clinician with regard to being added to the Orthopaedic Inpatient Waiting List for surgery. If you are in agreement, you will be added to the Orthopaedic Inpatient Waiting List.
Discharged
You will be discharged once your assessment and treatment has been completed with the Orthopaedic Team. However your treatment with the multidisciplinary team may continue. On occasion, patients will be discharged with an option of a patient initiated review if your symptoms or problem were to reoccur.
As a patient you have a responsibility to:
- Keep your agreed hospital appointments and admissions
- Let us know if you need to cancel an appointment or admission
- Let us know if you are going to be unavailable for a period of time
- Let us know if you change your name, address or telephone details
Waiting times for surgery vary depending on what operation is required. You will be contacted and offered a date for your surgery. You may be asked to attend a pre-assessment clinic to ensure that you are fit for surgery .
Support with transport to appointments
To find out whether you qualify for support with transport to your appointment check on the Scottish Ambulance website.
Useful contact numbers
Orthopaedic outpatient appointment enquiry line
01592 729000
Monday to Friday
08:00am-16:30pm