Preparing to come to hospital
Do the Covid-19 restrictions affect my appointment or operation?
Please attend your appointment as planned, following the instructions provided in your letter. It is really important that you attend so that we can provide you with the care you need. Please see the Coronavirus page for the latest updates.
Do I need to go to hospital?
You will need to come to hospital if you have been given an appointment (usually arranged by your GP or a hospital department) and you will have received a letter or text from us about your visit. If you are suffering from a life-threatening injury or illness you will come directly to the Emergency Department. If you are unsure whether you should come to hospital or not please visit the NHS website.
What will the hospital need to know in advance?
- If you require any special assistance at your appointment.
- If you need an interpreter to attend your appointment with you.
- If you require your letters in a different format, such as large font, easy read or a different language.
- If you require transport for your appointment.
Which hospital should I go to?
If you are planning to come into hospital you should have received an appointment letter which will tell you where to go and the time you are expected. Some of our services run from a number of different hospitals so it is important to check which hospital you need to go to before you leave.
For more information about our hospitals (including contacts and directions) - please see our hospitals.
What should I bring with me (outpatients)?
- Your appointment letter. This contains specific instructions about your appointment - please read this carefully and bring it along when you come to see us.
- Any letters for the Consultant from your GP, District Nurse, Physiotherapist or other health worker.
- Money for prescriptions, refreshments, etc. If you are exempt from prescription charges, or have a prepayment certificate, please bring proof with you.
- If you are diabetic, please bring a snack.
- A list of any questions to ask.
- A list of your current medication.
If you would like to, please bring along a relative or friend who can be with you at your appointment.
What should I bring with me (inpatients)?
- Your admission letter. This contains specific instructions about your admission - please read this carefully and bring it along when you come to see us.
- Proof of entitlement to free travel costs (if applicable)
- All your current medication in their original containers
- Day clothes and shoes
- Nightwear, dressing gown and slippers
- Toothbrush and paste
- Hairbrush and comb
- Soap and shampoo
- Shaving kit
- Glasses/contact lenses (if applicable)
- A small amount of money for refreshments, newspapers
- Any mobility aids you use, such as a walking stick or frame
- Books/magazines
Please only bring in items which you really need as space is very limited.
Please mark personal property with your name, where possible, so that it can be easily identified.
Please note that there is no personal hotel-style laundrette service available in the hospital.
We strongly advise you not to bring in any valuables, large amounts of money or jewellery. The Trust accepts no liability for any loss, damage or theft of any property belonging to a patient, except where the property has been deposited with the Trust for safekeeping. It is your responsibility before leaving the hospital to ensure that all property deposited for safekeeping is returned in a good condition.
What information will I need to tell hospital staff on arrival?
- Full name
- Address and postcode
- Date of birth
- Telephone number (daytime, home and mobile)
- GP details
You can also help us by providing extra details, such as:
- Ethnic origin
- Religion
- Next of kin
- Carer details, if applicable
Any information you give us is confidential and will be handled with care and respect, in line with the Data Protection Act.
For further details on how Leeds Teaching Hospitals collects and safeguards your personal data please refer to our Fair Processing Notice.
If you have any questions about your appointment, please get in touch with the department you are going to, using the telephone number on your letter. Our patient information leaflets are also available to read on this website.
