Initial consultation
Your journey to wellness at Sulis Hospital begins with an initial consultation. During your consultation - which usually lasts between 10 and 45 minutes - we take time to listen. You'll be able to share your story, your symptoms and your medical history with one of our consultant specialists in a comfortable, supportive environment.
We believe you should always feel in control of your care. You are encouraged to ask questions and take your time; by the end of your visit, we want you to feel confident and clear about the path ahead.
When a consultant, nurse or therapist asks you to agree to any form of examination or treatment, you always have a choice. It's quite acceptable for you to say no or ask for more information.
Your consent is most important. So, when having any treatment or an operation, we ask you to sign a consent form to show that you agree to the procedure and fully understand what will happen.
Next steps: Preparing for your treatment
We're here to support you every step of the ay. When your treatment is booked, you will receive your appointment letter. Please take a moment to read it thoroughly, as it shares important details on how to prepare for your treatment. They will include whether you'll need to fast or adjust your routine before you arrive.
You will also receive a health questionnaire. Please complete this and return it to us as soon as you can.
What happens next?
- A personal review: Our nursing team will look over your details to make sure everything is in place for your care.
- Extra support: If we feel any additional tests or a quick chat would be helpful, we'll reach our to arrange a follow-up assessment - either over the phone or in person.
- Staying in touch: We'll contact you directly to schedule any further steps, so you will know exactly what to expect.
Some of the terms we use
- Outpatient - being an outpatient simply means you are coming in to see us for an appointment. You don't stay overnight at this stage.
- Consultant - this is the highly trained doctor who will guide you through the process and advise you about your condition. You can talk to your consultant about the treatment.
- Consultation - an in-depth discussion between you and the consultant about your medical symptoms or condition.
Tests or scans
You may need to have a test or scan at your outpatient appointment or we may need to arrange for you to come back on another day for a test or scan.
Your consultant will explain what needs to happen in your particular case. The test or scan will help the consultant in recommending the best course of treatment.
FAQs
To help you feel prepared, we’ve put together a list of answers to common questions about the initial consultation. If there's anything else you'd like to know, our friendly patient enquiry team will be happy to help. You can call them on 01761 422 288 or fill in the form on our enquiry page.
Can I park my car at Sulis Hospital Bath?
How do I find Sulis Hospital Bath?
Our address is:
Sulis Hospital Bath
Foxcote Avenue
Peasedown St John
Bath
BA2 8SQ
You can find us on Google Maps
For more directions including public transport see our Getting Here page
Can I book an appointment with a specialist without an NHS GP referral?
Yes, if you’re funding your treatment privately, you can book an appointment directly with your chosen consultant – you don’t need a referral from your GP. However, some consultants may prefer to have a referral as it provides important details about your condition and medical history.
If you’re covered by private medical insurance, we recommend checking with your provider first, as a GP referral may be required. Once you have approval from your insurer, you can contact us to schedule your appointment.
If you’re not sure which specialist is right for you, we offer a Private GP Service to help.
Can I transfer to private care after seeing an NHS specialist?
Yes, it’s often possible to switch to private care after seeing an NHS specialist.
For self-funded treatment enquiries, please contact us to discuss the cost of your treatment and the process of moving from NHS to private care. In some cases, NHS consultants also practice privately at Sulis Hospital. This may allow you to continue seeing the same specialist.
If you’re covered by insurance, whether you can switch depends on your policy. It may be that you need a new referral, or you may be able to continue treatment with the same consultant. You will need to contact your insurer for authorisation, and to contact us to discuss your options.
How long does a private consultation last?
Search all our FAQs
The Day of Your Treatment
Everything you need to know about the day you arrive for your treatment.
On the day of your treatment