What can I expect if the infectious disease team are involved in my care while I am a patient in hospital (in-patient)?
If your general practitioner (GP) or hospital specialist feels you require an urgent assessment for an infectious disease problem, they will discuss this with one of the infectious diseases doctors. One of the infectious diseases doctors will ask you some questions and examine you. We will usually need to do some tests such as blood or urine tests and x-rays.
During your hospital stay, the doctors looking after you will carefully explain what they think is causing your illness and what tests and treatment you will require. You will be able to ask questions at any time during your stay.
When you leave hospital your GP will receive a letter informing them of your diagnosis and what further tests, treatment and follow up will be required.
You may need to be seen by the Infectious Diseases Service in the outpatient clinic following your discharge from hospital.
What can I expect if I have an outpatient appointment?
If your general practitioner (GP) feels you need a non urgent assessment you will be referred to our outpatient clinic. An appointment will be scheduled for you with one of our doctors and a letter with appointment details will be sent to you.
When you come to your appointment, please bring:
- a list of the medications you are taking
- any x-rays or other medical information normally kept at home that may be relevant to this appointment (you do not need to seek this information from your GP or other doctors).
At your appointment, one of the doctors will ask you some questions and examine you. We will usually need to do some tests such as blood or urine tests and x-rays.
The doctor will explain what they think is causing your illness and whether you require further tests or treatment. You will be able to ask any questions you have at this time. You may need to be seen again in the infectious diseases clinic for further review.
Your general practitioner (GP) will receive a letter informing them of your diagnosis and what further tests, treatment and follow up will be required.