Dietetic Telephone Follow-Up Clinics - General Information

What is a telephone clinic?

Telephone clinics are outpatient appointments that take place over the telephone rather than attending the hospital.

A dedicated time slot on a specific date will be allocated to you but rather than the appointment taking place in a hospital clinic, it will be done with you over the telephone. The person doing the clinic will call you on the contact number you have registered at this time.

Why have they been set up?

The telephone clinic is designed to be more convenient to you and save you time and the inconvenience of travelling to Addenbrooke’s.

Often the appointment is a routine follow-up to discuss your diet, symptom relief and any concerns or questions that you may have. This does not involve any procedure or test that needs to be done in a hospital.

How do these clinics work?

As with any other clinic, you will be sent your appointment date and time in the post. During your allocated appointment time we ask you to remain close to your telephone and ensure it is not in use so we can contact you. It is important that you update our records if you make any changes to your telephone number.

We can contact you on a different number providing you make us aware of the number. We would recommend you choose a number where you can talk easily and feel comfortable talking to us.

We will ask you some security questions to confirm we are talking to the correct person. Due to patient confidentiality issues we will only be able to hold the consultation directly with you, our patient.

What if I prefer to come to clinic?

The choice is entirely yours at any time through this process. The telephone clinic is offered as an alternative for you to choose which option suits you best.

If you prefer to attend clinic and have a face-to-face consultation you are very welcome to request an outpatient appointment at any time. You will need to contact us and make this request so that a clinic booking can be made.

What if others want to listen to our conversation?

We will need to hold the initial consultation with you, as you are the patient. However should you have a speaker phone or wish others to listen to our conversation that is entirely your choice and decision.

Will I always be followed up by telephone?

Our policy is to offer patients telephone consultations for some follow-up appointments where the dietitian and our patient feel this is suitable. If you or the dietitian feels that a face to face consultation would be beneficial this will be arranged.

If you wish to change your mind at any time about telephone clinic appointment, please contact the department.

What if I am not able to keep the telephone clinic appointment?

Telephone follow-ups follow the same rules as any other outpatient clinic appointments in the hospital.

Every effort will be made to make an appointment time convenient to you. However if you cancel two consecutive appointments we are unable to offer you any further appointments and you will be discharged from the service.

If you do not answer the telephone number you have specified within the first few minutes of your appointment time this will constitute a Did Not Attend (DNA). If you DNA we are unable to offer you any further appointments and you will be discharged from the service

What if I need a prescription?

We will arrange for any prescriptions to be undertaken via your GP.

Who do I contact if I have any concerns?

You are always very welcome to contact us for advice and information or to rearrange your appointment.

Useful contact details:

For changing appointments for your phone consultation please contact our Administration team on 01223 216655.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):

PALS are here to provide help, advice, support and information and to listen to your suggestions and concerns.

If you, your relatives or your carers are unhappy with any aspect of your care, or the service you receive while you are attending an outpatient clinic or via the telephone clinic, you or they should speak to a member of the clinic staff as soon as possible. If you feel unable to speak directly to staff, then contact PALS on 01223 216756 or email them at cuh.pals@nhs.net who will be able to assist you.