Patient Experience
Most common questions
Coming to see a Doctor or having surgery can be a worrying time. For those of you who have not had any experience of this previously, there may be many questions that you have. We have put together a list of frequently asked questions to hopefully put your mind at ease.
Getting Referred
Will I require a referral letter to see Mr Younis?
Some insurance companies will want you to seek a referral letter from your GP before they will approve your appointment with a specialist. However for self-paying patients Mr Younis is happy to see patients without a GP referral letter.
Can I see Mr Younis on the NHS?
Yes you can. You will require your GP to refer you to Mr Younis. Mr Younis treats NHS patients at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (Royal Blackburn and Burnley General Hospitals) and Beardwood Hospital.
How long will I have to wait to be see Mr Younis privately?
This is dependent on the urgency of your referral but in most cases we will strive to have you seen within 2 weeks. For urgent cases we will aim for this to be within 1 week. However, please bear in mind that the wait may be slightly longer during holidays.
How can I arrange a private consultation for myself or a relative?
You can do this by contacting the Lancashire Hand Clinic on 01254 403403 or email us on info@lancashirehandclinic.co.uk. Alternatively you can call the Beardwood Hospital (01254 507642) directly to arrange an appointment at your convenience.
What is the cost of a private consultation with Mr Younis?
The fee for an initial consultation is £275 and for a follow up consultation this is £190. If you are insured, the fee will be covered by your company although you may be responsible for part of the payment if you have an excess on your policy.
Do I qualify for a free video consultation?
Free video consultations are offered to patients who have one of the four conditions treated on the ONESTOP pathways. These include Carpal tunnel syndrome, Trigger finger/thumb, Dupuytren’s contracture and Ganglion. If you have a problem that does not fall into this category you can still enquire about your suitability for ONESTOP hand surgery by calling 01254 403403 or emailing us on info@lancashirehandclinic.co.uk.
Can I have a virtual consultation instead of a face to face consultation?
Yes. Mr Younis offers Video and Telephone consultations. In most cases (with the exception of ONESTOP Hand Surgery) your first consultation is likely to be face to face but you will be offered a choice for all other appointments.
ONESTOP™ Hand Surgery
How can I check if my condition is suitable for ONESTOP ™ Hand Surgery?
We have created videos and patient information pages for the four conditions suitable for ONESTOP Hand Surgery. You will find these in the ONESTOP section of the Home page. If your problem does not strictly fall within this group, you can still get in touch on 01254 403403 or email us on info@lancashirehandclinic.co.uk, to make an informal enquiry.
My condition was not deemed suitable for ONESTOP ™ Hand Surgery, what are my options?
The main reasons for a patient not being suitable for ONESTOP Hand Surgery are that the diagnosis is unclear and you require further investigations or that the condition cannot be treated under local anaesthetic. If this is the case you will be offered a face to face consultation with Mr Younis and the appropriate tests will be requested. You are under no obligation to go through with this consultation and you can instead request a referral on the NHS through your GP.
On the Appointment Day
What do I need to bring with me for my appointment?
Please bring a copy of a current prescription with you or a list of all the medication that you take. If you have any drug allergies please ensure that you have the names of the drugs with you. If you do not recall the names, it is possible to get these from your GP records. If you have had investigations at another hospital or abroad and have hard copies of xray images for example, please bring these to your appointment.
How can I find my way to the clinics?
Mr Younis has clinics at the Beardwood Hospital in Blackburn (BB2 7AE) and you can enter the above postcode into your Sat Nav for directions.
Is there parking available at the hospitals where Mr Younis consults?
Yes. The Beardwood hospital has free parking on site. However it is important that you arrive early for your appointment as parking can be difficult to find. There is however parking available in the adjacent Streets/Road.
How can I pay for my consultation?
You can pay by cash or by card on the day of your appointment. Alternatively we can send out an invoice to you and you can pay by BACS transfer.
On the Day of Your Procedure
What do I need to bring with me on the day of my operation?
The vast majority of hand surgery cases are performed as day case procedures and you are unlikely to require an overnight bag. It is however advisable to bring a dressing gown and slippers with you. You will also need to bring a list of your medication with you.
If you take inhalers or have an epipen for allergies, please bring these with you.
If you have been told that you will be staying overnight or you are being put to sleep (general anaesthesia) for your operation on an evening list, it is advisable to bring an overnight bag with you.
Can I drive to the hospital on the day of my operation?
No. You should ensure that you have arranged for someone to accompany you to the hospital on the day of the operation.
After Your Surgery
Where would I need to be seen for a wound check and the removal of sutures from my wound?
For the majority of patients, you will be able to manage your own dressings and you will be given spare dressings before you leave the hospital. In most cases you will have absorbable sutures which do not require removal. For patients who require hand therapy you will have follow up appointments for wound checks arranged at the hospital. You will also require wound checks if you have been placed into a plaster cast following the operation.
What should I do if I need help or advice immediately after the operation?
The ward will give you a contact number before you leave. The ward staff are available 24 hours for advice and guidance if you have any concerns relating to your operation.