Preparation is key to getting the most out of your appointment in hospital or at your local health service.
Before your appointment
- Make a list of any questions you have about your condition, tests or treatment.
- Make some notes about your medical history - including previous illnesses, surgeries and family medical history.
- Ring the clinic to ask if you can bring someone with you - the phone number is on the letter.
- Plan what you’ll wear - loose clothing is best if you’re having any tests or a physical examination.
- Check if you need to fast before your appointment - this information may be in your appointment letter.
- Plan your journey so you’ll get to your appointment on time - add in extra time for unexpected delays, such as heavy traffic or finding parking.
- If you have flu-like or other viral symptoms, contact the clinic before your appointment to let them know - the number is on your appointment letter.
What to bring on the day
Write down a list of things you may need for your appointment.
Documents to bring include your:
- appointment notification (letter or text message)
- medical card, if you have one
- a list of your medicines - ask your pharmacist to print off a list, handwritten lists can be hard to read
- contact details - your mobile phone number and details for your next of kin
- GP’s name and contact details
- Personal Public Service Number (PPSN)
You will be asked for your PPSN at your appointment.
Your appointment letter will remind you to bring it with you. If the appointment is for your child, the letter will ask you to bring their PPSN.
Where I can find my PPSN
You can find your PPSN on your public services card and on any letters from social welfare or the tax office. It may also be on your payslip. PPSNs have 7 digits followed by 1 or 2 capital letters. An example is 1234567A.
You will find your child's PPSN number on their GP card or child benefit letters.
If you do not know your or your child's PPSN, contact your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.
Other things to bring to your appointment include:
- your list of questions
- your notes about your medical history
- previous x-rays, scans or test results from another hospital or clinic, if available
- a notebook and pen or your phone to take notes
- medicines you may need while away at your appointment, for example, your inhaler
- a snack and drink - if you are not fasting or to have after your fast ends
- your glasses if you wear them
- something to pass the time, in case there is a delay
During your appointment
Do
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take out your list and ask all your questions - make sure you are happy that you understand what is said
-
write down what is said so you do not forget anything - rough notes will do
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tell the healthcare professional about how you feel and any concerns you may have
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make sure you understand the plan for the next steps of your care
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ask for details of someone you can contact if you have more questions
After the appointment
When your appointment is finished:
- read over your notes as soon as you can - while everything is fresh in your head
- do something relaxing - health appointments can be stressful and exhausting
If you cannot attend your appointment
If you cannot attend your appointment at the time you’ve been given, contact the clinic. Do this before the appointment. The phone number will be on your appointment letter.
They will do their best to give you a new appointment.
If you do not contact the clinic to cancel, it can lead to a waste of staff time and longer waiting times for other patients.
In the case of a hospital appointment and depending on the hospital’s policy, you may be removed from the waiting list. Your GP will be informed if this is the case.