FAST TRACK: Attending your hospital appointment safely

Telephone: 01223 274634
Email IDU Cambridge

We understand that many people are anxious about attending Addenbrooke’s for a hospital appointment during the COVID-19 pandemic. This leaflet is to inform you of the steps we have taken to ensure your safety when visiting our hospital.

How do I know if I should attend?

Your specialist clinical team will assess the need for you to attend in person during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. If you have received a letter notifying you of a face to face (F2F) appointment it is important that you attend unless otherwise informed by the hospital.

What time should I arrive for my appointment?

Please aim to arrive in the clinic 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to check in with the receptionist and be seen by the nurse. In order to ensure social distancing is possible, the number of chairs available in the waiting area has been significantly reduced and this means that clinic has to run strictly on time - we cannot guarantee to be able to see you if you arrive early or late for your appointment. Remember to leave plenty of time to travel to the hospital even if this means waiting in your car for a while before you enter the building.

Can I bring someone with me?

At the moment you should attend your hospital appointment alone if at all possible; your relative should wait for you in the car. If you need a carer to accompany you please do let us know. The visiting restrictions at the hospital may change in accordance with the ongoing COVID-19 response. If in doubt, further information may be found on the CUH website or you can call us for advice.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

This is a normal clinic appointment so do ensure you bring a list of your current medication and the letter to remind you of any additional tests / investigations scheduled for you at this visit. You will need to wear a face covering and wash your hands when entering the building. If you have forgotten a face covering one will be provided for you. If you are anxious about using a face covering or have hearing difficulties please call us to discuss what alternative strategies might be suitable. If you are attending the hospital for multiple appointments you may wish to bring your own refreshments (food / drink) to avoid the busy shops / restaurants.

What should I do if I am unwell?

If you have any symptoms compatible with coronavirus or have had contact with someone who has then please do not attend your appointment. Contact us as soon as you can and we will reschedule your appointment.

What should I do if I can’t attend my appointment?

Should you need to cancel, re-arrange, or no longer require your appointment please contact us as soon as possible so the appointment can be reallocated to another patient. If you miss your appointment, or repeatedly cancel or decline appointments you may be discharged back to the care of your GP.

What are you doing to keep me safe?

All hospital staff are following the official advice regarding handwashing, social distancing and face coverings.

Handwashing: you will find sinks and hand gel stations at every entrance to the hospital and frequently along corridors and in departments / clinics.

Social distancing: the number of people attending the hospital has been reduced, visiting is restricted, one way systems are in place in busy areas and use of the waiting areas has been decreased.

Face coverings: hospital staff will be wearing masks in the clinics, corridors and during your consultations. Members of the public are also required to wear a face covering.

If you are worried about attending or are unable to keep your appointment please contact us.

Telephone: 01223 274634
Email IDU Cambridge