Cardiothoracic surgery patient information

Find out what to expect when you come to hospital for your appointment.

Before your appointment

You will be offered an outpatient appointment to see a consultant around three weeks after your referral has been received. You are welcome to bring a relative, close friend or carer with you to your appointment.

Please 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
• A list of medication

During your appointment

Clinics take place in the main outpatients department in A block at Hammersmith Hospital. Sometimes our clinics may overrun but we will keep you updated with any delays.

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.

During your appointment we will take your past medical history and the history of current complaint will be discussed.

A plan for your care and operation will be explained and a rough timeline for treatment may also be given. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions. In the initial appointment you may have a blood test, x-rays and possibly a ECG.

After your appointment

The next steps following your initial appointment will be discussed with you. If you are having surgery you will be contacted within a few days or weeks regarding surgery dates and pre-assessment clinics.