Elderly medicine patient information

We provide information and support on different aspects of treatment for patients who have been referred to our elderly medicine service.

Before your appointment

We usually see patients within six weeks of receiving a referral. You are welcome to bring a relative, close friend or carer with you to your appointment. You are also welcome to ask for a chaperone and we will endeavour to provide one for you. Please ask the receptionist at your clinic for more information.

We provide outpatient clinics at Charing Cross, Hammersmith, St Charles and St Mary’s hospitals, so please double check which hospital your appointment is at before you set off.

Please bring all of your current medications with you or a full list of the medications you are taking. You should include all medication you have been prescribed by your GP or hospital doctor as well as any over the counter or herbal medicines you take yourself. Please also remember to check your appointment letter for anything specific you have been asked to take with you. In addition, it would be helpful if you could bring the following:

• Your full address and telephone number(s)
• Your appointment card and appointment letter
• Your GP’s name and address
• Money to pay for any prescriptions, or an exemption card
• A list of questions you may want to ask your consultant

During your appointment

Please book in at the main outpatients reception desk on arrival. If this is your first appointment at the service, your appointment with the doctor may take up to an hour. If you also need to see a therapist (for example in the falls clinic) this will take extra time. 

Please note that we are a teaching hospital, so medical students may be present for some appointments. If you do not wish to have them in the room please let the nurse or doctor know and the students will be asked to step outside.

At most of our elderly medicine clinics you will be seen by a doctor and possibly a therapist or other specialist, depending on the clinic you attend. In some clinics you may be asked to undress so our medical team are able to fully examine you. You will be asked if you need any help to undress and that you are comfortable before starting any examination.

Your doctor or nurse may request some blood tests, x-rays or heart monitoring (ECG) to be taken straight after your appointment. We will direct you to where these tests take place and our nurses are on hand to help you get to the relevant departments.

After your appointment

After your appointment your doctor or nurse will tell you if you need another appointment or if you can be discharged from the clinic. If you do require another appointment the doctor or nurse will give you a note to take to the main reception desk to book your next appointment. If more complex tests are requested, you should receive a letter with an appointment date for each of these. The results will go back to your consultant who will discuss them with you at your next appointment, and/or let your GP know.

Your GP will be sent a letter about what happened during your appointment and our plans for your future care. You will also be sent a copy of this letter.

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