Vascular surgery patient information

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

Before your appointment

We will usually see patients within four to six weeks of referral. You are welcome to bring a relative, close friend or carer with you to your appointment.

When preparing for your appointment please wear comfortable clothes that can be removed if required, or lifted up to allow examination of the affected areas.

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

During your appointment

Please report to the reception area on your arrival. Our waiting times can vary but occasionally can be up to an hour. We will let you know if there are any delays when you arrive. If you are attending a one-stop clinic please allow two to three hours for your appointment.

At your appointment you will be examined by one of our consultants and a detailed medical history will be taken.

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.

After this initial consultation, it is likely you will also be sent for non-invasive vascular studies to help us diagnose or rule out the presence of vascular disease. This may take place on the same day as your appointment, or in the days shortly after.

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.

After your appointment

The results of your investigations may be discussed at the vascular multidisciplinary team meeting, so our team can decide the best possible course of treatment for your condition.

You will usually have a follow-up appointment to discuss your results within six weeks of your initial appointment.