How to find a hospital outpatient clinic They can be anywhere. So, make sure know where to go if you have an appointment at the hospital; and where is the nearest car park. They are often very large sites. Units have similar names. Signage is not always good and many corridors look the same. There are usually maps on […]
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What does the large bowel do? In this article, we describe what does the large bowel do. The large bowel, also known as the large intestine, or colon. It is a long, tube-like organ that is connected to the small bowel (intestine) at one end and the anus at the other. The large intestine has […]
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What are the options if I test positive for BRCA gene? You have several options to manage your cancer risk. Surveillance You can start cancer screening at an earlier age (e.g. at age 25 years). This includes yearly mammography and breast MRI; and clinical breast examination every six months starting at age 18, and practicing […]
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Will cancer treatment make me radioactive? One form of treatment for cancer is a high-dose x-ray called radiotherapy. During radiotherapy an X-ray is aimed at the area where there are cancer cells. The X-ray then exits the body, and you are safe to interact with people without exposing them to radiation. You are therefore not […]
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When should I see a doctor about a faint? Fainting is when you pass out for a short time. It is not usually a sign of something serious, but if it happens regularly you should see a GP. Causes of fainting There are many reasons why someone might faint. Causes include: Standing up too quickly […]
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How do I check up on a NHS referral? Usually you can assume that if a GP says you are being referred to a hospital this has happened and the appointment will happen in a timely fashion. But not always. Admin errors happen, and some consultants have long waiting lists to see them. The government’s target for the time […]
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What items should you take to hospital? These are the things you need to take to hospital (if you are going to be admitted): Current medication (and your repeat prescription list) – in case the ward do not keep a supply of them Medical record. This should include all past and present illnesses and operations Personal care […]
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If I ring a ward, who shall I ask for? Nurses – at least initially. If your loved one is in hospital, there will be many staff looking after them, including: Senior doctors – like consultants and registrars Junior doctors Nurses Allied health professionals – e.g. physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, physicians associates, speech and language therapists and dietitians Ward clerk […]
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Do hospitals lose patients? (and no, it’s not a daft question) Yes. Not completely (usually). But it does happen for the first 2-3 days of admission sometimes. Longer explanation. A large hospital can admit over 100 emergency patients a day. They try very hard to find you a bed on the most appropriate ward. But, quite often, especially […]
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How to improve a virtual appointment with your GP or consultant Since COVID-19, many doctors’ appointments have been virtual (phone or video). Not all patients like these. We understand that. They do have some advantages though. Here are some tips. First of all, make sure you know when your day/time slot is, and be ready for the […]
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