Your appointment (outpatients)

Requesting an appointment

To get an outpatient appointment, your doctor needs to send a referral to the hospital. The hospital will send you a letter either offering an appointment or advising that your name has been placed on a wait list. Your letter will advise you on the clinic you are required to attend and how to prepare for your appointment.

If your condition changes or you are concerned about your health before the date of your appointment, please contact your doctor. If required, they are able to send an updated referral.

Your appointment

When you arrive, scan your letter at the kiosk and proceed to the nominated waiting room; or if required, register your attendance at the reception desk with your appointment letter. Please allow up to 2 hours for your appointment and ensure you leave enough time for parking. It may be easier for your carer to drop you off at the front of the hospital prior to parking. Orthopaedics/fracture clinic appointments can take more time, due to complex treatments.

Appointment waiting times

Waiting times are different for each clinic. While we always try to ensure that clinics run on time, due to unavoidable delays, for example emergency surgery, there may be a long wait to see a specialist or health practitioner.

Allied Health and nursing clinics run closely to the appointment times, so please be considerate of other patients and be on time.

First appointment

At your first appointment your doctor or health professional will discuss your concerns, and healthcare plan. You may require an examination or further tests.

Follow-up appointments

Your doctor or health professional will advise you if you require further appointments. When you are discharged from our service, your GP will review information regarding your ongoing management plan.

Being seen as a private or public patient

On your first appointment, you will be asked if you would like to be seen as a private or public patient.

Telehealth (video call)

Did you know you can ask your doctor/health professional if you can have your next appointment by Telehealth (video call)?

Telehealth is a safe and effective way of delivering care in your home without physical contact. The Queensland Health Telehealth Portal provides an easy, safe and secure way to videocall with your doctor or health professional from your computer, tablet or smart phone. A Telehealth appointment may also be possible from your local QH facility, GP Clinic, or NGO please discuss options with our staff.

When connecting from home, we strongly recommend doing a test call before your appointment. You are able to test your equipment at any time. Telehealth Technical Support is available 7:45am – 5:00pm Monday – Friday on 1800 066 888.

It is also recommended to upgrade to the latest software version for the best audio and video experience. Instructions on how to upgrade your device can be found by clicking on the below links:

• Update your iPhone or iPad – Apple Support (AU)
• Check & update your Android version – Android Help (google.com)

Some of the commonly asked questions are also answered in this Telehealth quick reference guide. If you still have questions, or if you were not able to successfully complete a test call, please call the clinic that you are booked into to discuss.

Medication

The hospital pharmacy is located on the ground floor of the Main Building and a private pharmacy is located on the ground floor of the Moreton Bay Integrated Care Centre (MBICC) Building. You are welcome to use your own community pharmacy to fill prescriptions, however, we recommend having it checked by the hospital pharmacy as some medications may not be on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and you may have to pay extra for these.

What to bring

Each time you visit us

• Your Medicare card
• Private health insurance card (if you want to use it)
• Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
• Current medications (prescription, over the counter and herbal medicine)
• Relevant x-rays, scans or any other test results or reports
• Glasses, hearing and mobility aids

For an outpatient or clinic appointment

• Your appointment letter
• Any special items listed on your letter
• WorkCover claim number (if relevant)
• Snacks, a drink or money to buy refreshments
• Something to read or do while you wait

Outpatient clinics contact

Please call the corresponding clinic number to:

• confirm your have received your appointment request
• change or cancel your appointment
• update your contact details.