Outpatients and day patients

If you have an appointment in a hospital or clinic but do not need to stay overnight, it means you’re being treated as an outpatient or a day patient. You may be having an appointment for treatment, diagnosis or a procedure.

Before your appointment, you’ll receive a letter, email or text message from the hospital that includes everything you need to know about your appointment.

You may be offered a face-to-face appointment in a hospital or clinic, or a telephone or video appointment.

You and your healthcare professional will agree the type of appointment you’re offered, based on your needs and preferences. You’ll get the same quality of care no matter what type of appointment you have.