Infectious disease patient information

Find out what to expect when you come to hospital for your appointment with our infectious diseases service.

Before your appointment

Patients generally receive outpatient appointments within four weeks of referral. You are welcome to bring a relative or close friend with you to your appointment. You are also welcome to ask for a chaperone and we will endeavour to provide one for you.

Please bring a list of any medications you are taking as well as a list of vaccinations you’ve received.

During your appointment

Please note that we are a teaching hospital, so medical students may be present for some appointments. If you do not wish to have them in the room please let the nurse or doctor know and the students will be asked to step outside.

You can expect your appointment to take 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexities of your medical history and symptoms. You will be reviewed by an infection specialist and may have some tests carried out. If you are suspected as having tuberculosis you will also be reviewed in the clinic by the TB nursing service.

You may need to have some tests carried out. These may include x-rays, more detailed scans, blood tests, and stool, urine and sputum analysis.

After your appointment

After your appointment, you will be informed about the results of any tests or investigations. You may receive your results earlier than your follow-up appointment if the results are not within the normal range.

You may have one or two follow-up appointments depending on how well you respond to treatment. After those appointments, your GP will oversee the management of your care.