You can download a copy of the Outpatient Handbook here.

You can download a copy of the ARI Map.

1. Your appointment

An appointment has been made for you to attend an out patient clinic at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. You will find details of the date, time and which clinic you are to attend on your appointment card or letter. If the date and time is unsuitable for you, please call the phone number on your letter to rearrange your appointment.

On occasion, we may phone you to arrange an appointment. This maybe especially the case if an appointment is being arranged at short notice.

If you need a lifting aid (such as a hoist or stand aid) during your visit please call us as soon as possible on the number on your appointment card or letter to arrange this with staff.

 

What to do if you can't make your appointment - please don't be a DNA!

A DNA is someone who Did Not Attend their appointment without phoning to let us know beforehand. This meant that the clinic, doctors and nurses were all ready for the patient but the appointment slot was wasted. If you cannot make your appointment please phone the number on your clinic letter so we can give the appointment to someone else.

2. What to bring with you

When you come to your appointment, please bring:

• Your appointment card
• A note of any prescribed drugs presently being taken
• Repeat prescription card (if you have one)
• Any questions you may have for the doctor

In addition, it may be useful to bring a relative or friend with you to your clinic appointment if you wish to do so. All patients being seen at the First Seizure clinic, for the first time at an Epilepsy clinic or at a general clinic with a suspected first fit are requested to bring along a relative or friend who has witnessed their seizures.

3. Getting to the clinic

Public transport;

First Aberdeen services 3, 5, 6, 23 and 40 and Stagecoach Bluebird services 10, 18, 59 and 305 pass the Foresterhill site.

By car;

If you are unsure of the best route you can use route planners such as on the Automobile Association (AA) website(www.theaa.com). Please use the postcode AB25 2ZN for ARI inroute planners and sat-navs. You can also contact ARI Concourse Reception on (01224) 554567.

Parking;

Parking information is available on the NHS Grampian website.

4. Your clinic appointment

On arrival

Please hand your card in at the clinic reception desk. The clinic receptionist will check your details. You will then be asked to go to the clinic waiting area and you will be seen according to your appointment time. We aim to see patients at their appointment time, or at least within 30 minutes of their appointment time. If delays are likely, we will keep you informed of the reason and how long you are likely to have to wait. If you are a diabetic you should bring a snack with you in case you are delayed.

Your consultation

At the appointment you will be seen a Consultant Neurologist or one of their representatives or a Nurse Specialist. You can bring a relative or friend into the clinic room with you if you wish to do so. The length of consultation can vary and investigations may be carried out so please try not to have any other immediate commitments scheduled for after your appointment. If the doctor needs to carry out a physical examination you may be asked to remove some of your clothing but if so you will be given time to do this in private.

Afterwards, if the doctor feels a further appointment is necessary he or she will give you a note to take to the receptionist at your clinic who will make the necessary arrangements for you.

Clinical Teaching

Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is a teaching hospital where we train students and conduct research. While recognizing that you need not assist in teaching or research, we hope that you will wish to help us if asked to do so. Please let staff know if you do not wish students to be present during your consultation.

Confidentiality of Health Information

All healthcare professionals have a duty to protect your privacy and confidentiality. No unauthorized personnel will have access to your records. We comply fully with the provisions and obligations of the Data Protection Act 1998 in storing and processing your information. The booklet "Confidentiality - it's your right" gives you more information. You can ask staff for a copy or call Corporate Communications on (01224) 554400.

Travel costs

If you receive Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance (income based), Job Seeker's Allowance (income based) or Pension Credit, hold a valid NHS Exemption Certificate, or are from the Highlands and Islands area you may be entitled to help with hospital travel costs. If you are named on an HC2 or HC3 certificate or complete an HC5 form, you may also be entitled to help with travel costs.

Please bring with you; details of your benefits and appointment card when you attend the hospital, tickets and receipts as proof of travel costs.

Reimbursement will only be at the cheapest public transport rate. Reimbursement and queries are dealt with by the General Office, Administration Dept. Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Published: 18/10/2021 10:27