Am I allowed to go to a hospital appointment?

[Lippy1234]

I had an operation last week and have an appointment tomorrow to remove the dressing, see how things are healing and get the results from the operation. Is this an essential journey?

Yes

Yes!

Yes

Yes. They specifically stated "any medical need"

Medical appointments are fine - can you ring the hospital first to check it’s going ahead.

Thanks everyone.

Probably, but to minimise the possibility of an unnecessary journey contact them beforehand.

I had a non urgent hospital appointment this morning (London) and was expecting them to cancel. I rang the number on the appointment letter and an automated message said appointments aren’t cancelled and to turn up. Even as I went I really expected to get turned away thinking they just hadn’t had time to update the message but it went ahead.

Yes, unless they have told you not to go.

Yes, absolutely yes. If it makes you feel better about going then look at it this way - if you go and get it checked now they will see if there is anything that needs a bit of medical attention and deal with it immediately whereas if you don't go tomorrow it could end up taking more NHS resources. Obviously that's an unlikely scenario but there is a reason why they will want you there tomorrow.

I had a phone call from a nurse saying my appointment with a gynaecologists is still on for today as they would like to see me. I had not received a letter although was expecting one and had just assumed it had been cancelled due to the virus. I am getting ready to go this morning.

I'd guess you are not in a hotspot as most of them are cancelling appointments. If yours is still going ahead go - but make sure you wash well when you get out.