Coming for an outpatient appointment

Outpatient services may be provided from both hospital sites and some community locations so please do check the location information on your appointment letter.

It's really important that you try to attend your appointments so you can see a specialist about your health or receive treatment.

Your appointment letter

You will receive an appointment letter with details of where you need to go for your appointment.

Please check the location information carefully as we have two hospital sites (Halton and Warrington) and provide services at other places in our communities too. Visit our locations page for more information on our sites.

Some outpatient appointment letters may also have instructions you need to follow for tests or information on things to bring with you.

Please bring a list of any medicines you take and a list of health conditions you have.

Please note we will no longer send paper appointment letters to most patients who are registered with the NHS App or have a mobile phone number on file.

Patients with an upcoming appointment will instead receive a notification in the NHS App and a text message that includes all their appointment information. 

We know that digital communications may not suit everyone. If you would prefer to receive paper letters, please text PRINT to 07860 039092.

Managing your appointments

Changing or cancelling appointments

If you can't make your appointment or no longer need it, please let us know with as soon as possible by; 

• calling the number on your appointment letter
• using the UK Text Relay
• cancelling changing it using the NHS App
• cancelling / changing it using the online change / cancellation form.

Interpretation services and mobility requirements

If you require an interpreter, signing support, communication assistance or have any mobility requirements that we need to know about before you arrive, please let us know by calling the number on your letter or use the Relay UK service.

Travel and parking

The trust is not responsible for transporting patients to and from appointments, unless patients meet specific criteria.

• For Merseyside and Greater Manchester residents, please visit North West Ambulance Service
• For Cheshire residents, please visit West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust

You can also read about Hospital travel cost schemes (HTCS).

We provide freephones which connect to local taxi services. These can be found near main entrance at Warrington Hospital, near Outpatients (entrance 1) at Halton Hospital Nightingale Building and in the  reception area at Halton Hospital Captain Sir Tom Moore Building.

Find out about car parking and parking concessions.

We also provide a free shuttle bus service between Warrington Hospital and Halton Hospital. 

Our locations page provides information on our hospitals and the community sites where we provide services, including parking and transport.

What to expect at your appointment

If when you arrive at your appointment location you are unsure how to get to your appointment please ask a member of reception staff for directions or visit the welcome desk near main entrance at Warrington Hospital.

During appointments you may need a blood test or other minor tests. Doctors may also refer you for further tests, if needed, or prescribe medication. 

If you need any other diagnostic tests such as a scan you may be offered another appointment - although we will do this on the same day if we can.