What happens when my GP refers me to hospital?
Your doctor will send a referral letter to the hospital, telling our medical staff about your condition and how urgently you require an appointment. You will be placed on a waiting list and you will be sent an appointment 8 weeks before your date.


What if my condition gets worse before I receive my appointment?
You should go back to your GP. He/she will contact the hospital again if required.

How can I check my appointment date and time?
There will be contact details on your appointment card or letter. If you have lost this, you should ring the appropriate hospital and ask for the relevant department (e.g. X-ray) or for the secretary or appointment clerk of the consultant you are seeing.

Will I be allowed to smoke in hospital?
No. Smoking is not permitted in Trust buildings or within its grounds.

Why does my appointment date keep being changed?
We try to avoid changing or cancelling appointments but sometimes this is unavoidable; for example, if staff are ill or if there are a lot of patients with more serious conditions admitted.

What are the visiting times?
The visiting times vary depending upon the hospital and the type of ward.

How do I get appointment at a hospital, a clinic or with a chiropodist, physiotherapist etc?
You can only get an appointment through your GP.

What should I do if I can’t attend my appointment?
If you cannot attend, it is important that you let us know so that another patient can be given an appointment instead. You should ring the telephone number given on your appointment card or letter as soon as you know that you are unable to attend. If in doubt you should ring the appropriate hospital and ask to speak to the consultant’s appointment clerk.

Will the hospital give me the special diet I need at mealtimes?
Each day you will be offered a selection of meals to suit all cultures, religions and special diets. If you have any special dietary needs you should inform a member of staff as soon as you are admitted.

How can I give a gift to the nurses who are looking after me?
Staff are not permitted to accept personal gifts of money or items of a high value. Modest gifts such as flowers or chocolates will be appreciated or, if you would like to make a donation to the hospital, you can send a cheque to the Director of Finance, Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor, stating whether you would like your gift used for a specific purpose or to benefit a particular hospital, ward or department. You can also make a cash donation at any hospital General Office.  Click here for more information on how to make a donation.

How long will I have to wait in the Outpatient Department?
The majority of patients are seen within 30 minutes of their appointment time (this is the Patient’s Charter Standard). However, on occasion a clinic may be particularly busy and unfortunately we may have to keep you waiting for longer than this. The clinic nursing staff will keep you advised of any delays.