Physiotherapy is a health care profession that emphasises the use of physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore health. The core skills of a chartered physiotherapist are manual therapy, exercise therapy and electrotherapy that are used to relieve pain and restore function.
Access to the Physiotherapy Department is via referral from your GP or consultant.
What will happen at my first appointment?
On your first appointment the physiotherapist will assess your condition and enquire about your past medical history and any medications you may be taking. It is helpful if you bring a list of any current medications you are taking and copies of the results of any other relevant investigations and tests. This can help us plan your treatment and care without having to get back in contact with your GP or other doctor.
- It is possible you may be asked to undress.
- If you have a back or lower leg problem, please bring a pair of shorts with you to wear during the examination.
- If you are pregnant, suspect you may be pregnant or have a pacemaker, please inform the physiotherapist.
- If you need an interpreter or a chaperone you may wish to bring somebody with you. Alternatively, if you need us to provide you with a chaperone or interpreter please contact the department in advance.
- Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
When you arrive at the Physiotherapy Out-Patient Department, please check in at the therapy reception desk, where your name and details will be taken. You will then be asked to take a seat in the waiting area until your physiotherapist is ready to see you.
How long will my
appointment be?
For your first appointment please allow up to 1 hour. All subsequent appointments will be 15-30 minutes duration.
Who will treat me?
All staff are fully qualified Chartered State Registered Physiotherapists. The department undertakes clinical student placements, therefore, you may be treated by a student who will be working under the supervision of a qualified physiotherapist.
Will I be seen at the time of my appointment?
All patients are sent or given timed appointments, which the physiotherapist will try very hard to keep. We aim to start an appointment with a patient within 20 minutes of their appointment time. If you have been waiting for more than 10 minutes without an explanation, please check back with one of the reception staff.
How many treatment sessions will I need?
At your first appointment, your physiotherapist will assess you carefully, which is why this visit will take
longer. At the end of this appointment, you might be / given an exercise programme to follow on your own, or you might require further appointments for treatment. The requirement for follow-up appointments will be discussed and agreed between you and your physiotherapist.
What happens if I am unable to attend?
Please contact the department to cancel or re-arrange your appointment on 01234 792088. Please try to give at least 24 hours notice. If you fail to attend an appointment and no prior contact has been made, you will automatically be discharged in line with Bedford Hospital Trust policy.
Confidentiality
Everyone working for the NHS has a legal duty to keep information about you confidential. Information will only be shared with people who have a genuine need for it (e.g. your GP or other professionals from whom you have been receiving care), or if the law required it, e.g. to notify a birth. However, please be assured that anyone who receives information from us is also under a legal duty to keep it confidential.
Concerns and queries
If you have any concerns/queries about any of the services offered by the Trust, in the first instance, please speak to the person providing your care.
If you need further assistance, the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) will be able to help. The PALS Office has a 24 hour confidential ansaphone, telephone 01234 795814. Alternatively, they can be contacted by letter at the address below:
PALS Office
BedfordHospital NHS Trust
South Wing
Kempston Road
Bedford MK42 9DJ
Where to find us
Gilbert Hitchcock House
Kimbolton Road
Bedford
MK40 2AW
(Please note – we are located on the North Wing site not the main hospital site at South Wing).
Contact numbers
If you need to contact us regarding your appointment/ treatment please call 01234 792088. Out of business hours there is a 24 hour ansaphone available for cancellation or alteration of appointments. / Hours of Business
8.00 am – 4.00 pm Mon & Fri
8.00 am – 6.00 pm Tue/Wed/Thur
Closed at weekends
Car Parking
A Pay & Display system operates directly outside Gilbert Hitchcock House. The current charges are as follows:
Up to 30 mins£1.00
30 mins – 2 hours£2.00
2 – 3 hours£3.50
3 – 7 hours£6.00
7 – 24 hours£9.00
Disabled parking is available free of charge with a valid permit. Please allow adequate time before your appointment for parking.
Buses
There is a bus stop near the front of the building on Kimbolton Road. Currently, the No. 7 bus stops here.