Where are you going?
If you have an appointment at one of our hospitals, it is a good idea to research where you are going to ensure you make it in good time.
Your confirmation letter should tell you which hospital entrance and department you need to attend. We have a map of Queen Elizabeth Hospital for you to refer to, as well as information on how to get here and car parking information.
You can also find further information about Bensham Hospital, Blaydon Urgent Treatment Centre and other community venues if you have been invited to attend one of our other centres.
If you have any queries about your appointment, please contact the booking team on 0191 4452718 between 8:00 and 20:00 Monday to Friday.
New patient waiting for an appointment?
Your GP may have written to us to make you an appointment or you may have already made your appointment through the NHS e-Referral system.
If you are waiting for an appointment we will contact you as soon as possible by telephone or invite you to contact the department you have been referred to. If you feel your condition is getting worse while you are waiting for your appointment, please see your GP.
Arriving by ambulance
If you are coming to your appointment in an ambulance, you will be taken straight to the relevant department. Our patient transport information will guide you on whether you are eligible for patient transport to your appointment.
What if I need mobility support or additional assistance when I get to hospital?
Wheelchairs are available for patients and visitors to use and they are situated in the main outpatient entrances. Please speak to a member of staff if there aren’t any available.
If you have any special requirements, disabilities or learning difficulties, please let us know ahead of time by calling the number on your appointment letter. Reasonable adjustments will be made to meet your needs.
What if I need an interpreter?
Should you require this service, please contact your GP, who will make us aware of your requirements. Alternatively, contact us directly on the number of your appointment letter.
What if I need to cancel or rearrange my appointment?
Missed appointments cost the QE Gateshead approximately £4m per year.
Our section on rearranging or cancelling your appointment can help us avoid these heavy costs.
Reminder/confirmation service
We are committed to improving services for all our patients, as well as minimising waiting times. For this reason, we have introduced a reminder/confirmation service.
You will be contacted seven days before your appointment and you will be asked to confirm you are still able to attend your appointment.
If you are over 70 years of age you will be contacted by someone on the telephone and if you are under 70 years old you will receive an automated call. In either situation you will be given the option to rearrange if your appointment is not convenient.
If you feel you don’t need this service you can opt out by contacting the number on your appointment letter 0191 445 2718 (8am – 8pm Monday – Friday)
What happens if I don’t attend my appointment?
If you have been offered choice at the time of booking your appointment you will not be offered another appointment and you will be removed from the waiting list. You will be sent a letter and your GP will be informed. This excludes children or patients who have been referred for a fast track appointment.
If you do not attend a follow up appointment you may be offered another appointment at the consultant’s discretion. In the event your consultant does not want to reappoint a letter will be sent to you and your GP.
At reception
Please report to the receptionist ten minutes before your appointment time (unless otherwise instructed). The receptionist will check your personal details and may ask you for further information if this is your first appointment. Every effort will be made to see you at the appointment time you have been given.