An update for new and existing patients at Pietro D’Urso Neurosurgery

Given the current situation regarding COVID-19, we will now be offering telephone consultations to all new and existing patients that are due to have a follow up or new consultation. The government is currently recommending that the public avoid all unnecessary travel where possible, so choosing to have a telephone consultation over a face-to-face consultation can help you and our medical team to achieve this.

If you are feeling unwell or if you have decided to self-isolate, then a telephone consultation can be very beneficial at this moment in time. If you are recovering from a recent surgery and unable to travel to your follow-up appointment, then a telephone consultation can be an excellent way for you to ask your consultant questions and feel reassured, without leaving your home.

Telephone consultations tend to be for follow-up appointments, however we are also willing to offer a telephone consultation to new patients, if you have sufficient information, scans and medical history etc to hand before the appointment. A telephone consultation of this sort however still is limited, as it will not be possible to perform a physical examination, but are an invaluable option to have. They are a vital tool in the consultant-patient relationship and allow the consultant to assess your results and medical information, as well as an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have, especially at a time like this.

During the consultation, your symptoms will be discussed, and a treatment plan will be agreed. The consultant will then write to the patient's GP (with the patient's consent), copying in any other healthcare professionals the patient wishes to be involved in their treatment plan, and the patient also will receive a copy of this letter; this letter will also be sent to you.

A telephone consultation is arranged in the same way as any other appointment. A date and time is confirmed, and contact details also are confirmed. If applicable, blood test results, scans etc will be sent in to the consultant beforehand, so they have these for review during the consultation

Telephone consultations have many benefits including reducing patient waiting times and travel to and from appointments. By speaking on the telephone, we can prevent delays in further investigations and treatment.