We understand that coming to hospital can feel overwhelming — especially if it’s your first visit or you’re unsure what to expect. At Northern Care Alliance, we’re committed to making your experience as smooth and reassuring as possible.
Using the NHS app
Did you know you can view and manage your hospital referrals and appointments using the NHS App? Turn on notifications to receive appointment reminders and updates. Learn more at www.nhs.uk/nhs-app
If you can’t make your appointment
We understand that sometimes plans change and you may not be able to attend your appointment. If you can’t make it, please let us know as soon as possible by contacting the hospital, Monday to Friday, between 8.00am and 5.00pm on the number below:
- Salford Care Organisation (Salford Royal): 0161 206 4100
- Oldham Care Organisation (Royal Oldham): 01706 906 726
- Bury Care Organisation (Fairfield General): 01706 906 728
- Rochdale Care Organisation (Rochdale Infirmary): 01706 906 727
- BSL text/reply service on 07966 003540 or email us at: service.interpretation@nca.nhs.uk dDeafappointments@nca.nhs.uk
Giving us as much notice as you can means we can rearrange your appointment at a time that suits you and offer your original slot to someone else who is waiting to see our team. Thank you for helping us make the best use of our appointments for everyone.
If you are unwell with signs/symptoms unrelated to your condition (e.g. Vomiting, diarrhoea or flu-like/respiratory symptoms including temperature, painful joints, shortness of breath) please do not attend. Please contact the department and make them aware. A-Z of Services
Unless you have been told to attend the hospital by your doctor or another healthcare professional.
- Telephone Appointments: Please allow a 2-hour window either side of your scheduled time to be contacted.
- Plan Your Journey: If driving, review car parking information and allow extra time to park — our hospitals can be busy.
- Appointment Letter: You’ll receive a letter or message with the date, time, and location. Please read it carefully and bring it with you.
- What to Bring:
- A list of your current medications (including herbal)
- Your NHS number (shown on your appointment letter or on NHS App)
- Write down and bring any questions that you’d like to ask to help you get the most out of your appointment
- Support Needs: If you need help with mobility, translation, or communication support (including d/Deaf services), please let us know in advance. Further information for communication support is listed below.
If you have communication needs, we offer interpretation and translation services to support you during your visit.
For British Sign Language (BSL) users, we offer a text/reply service on 07966 003540 or you can email us at: service.interpretation@nca.nhs.uk You can also contact us directly at: dDeafappointments@nca.nhs.uk or ais@nca.nhs.uk
You’re welcome to bring any special equipment you require when visiting our hospitals.
Wheelchairs are available at all sites, although they may not always be immediately accessible if in use by other patients and volunteers and staff will try to assist with this.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all our hospitals.
Disabled parking is available near the main entrances at each hospital site. However, spaces may be in use, so please allow extra time to park.
You may also wish to use volunteer support when you are on our hospital sites.
At Salford we have the Meet and Greet scheme.
At Royal Oldham Hospital, if you need help getting around the hospital, The Royal Rover is our free, volunteer led bus service offering friendly transport across the hospital site, just hop on and let us take care of the journey. You can contact The Rover Monday to Friday on 07972142907.
- Arrival: Please arrive 10–15 minutes early. Our reception staff will greet you and check you in.
- Identity check: You will be asked several questions to confirm your identity and help us better understand and support you. These questions may include details about your background, and you’ll be asked them at each visit to ensure we have the most up-to-date information.
- Waiting Times: We aim to see you on time, but delays can happen. We’ll keep you informed and ensure you’re comfortable.
- Your Appointment: You’ll meet with a clinician who will explain the purpose of your visit, answer your questions, and discuss next steps.
- Appointment Duration: This may vary depending on your appointment type. Additional tests or investigations may extend your visit. Please review your clinic letter for details.
You’re welcome to bring a family member, friend, or carer for support. If you’re attending alone and feel anxious, let us know — we’re here to help.
Our services are inclusive. If English isn’t your first language, our Interpretation and Translation Service can arrange interpretation with at least 3 days before your appointment, call 0161 627 8770 to book/cancel or our BSL text/reply service on 07966 003540 or email us at service.interpretation@nca.nhs.uk. We also offer support for patients with sensory or cognitive needs.
You may receive follow-up instructions, referrals, or a future appointment. If anything is unclear, please ask — we want you to leave feeling informed and confident.