Living with chronic illness
Hospitals and specialist clinics
Getting referred to hospital and specialist clinics, preparing for appointments, and where to go if you have a concern.
When to get urgent help
Call 999 for:
- chest pain that is sudden and does not go away, or spreads to the arms, neck, jaw, stomach or back, or comes with sweating, sickness or breathlessness
- any sign of a stroke: the face drops on one side, they cannot lift both arms, or speech is slurred. Even if it stops
- severe difficulty breathing: gasping, choking or not able to get words out
- swelling of the lips, tongue or throat after a possible allergic trigger
Contact NHS 111 or your GP the same day for:
- a sudden, very painful joint that is hot, swollen or hard to move. It can be an infection, even without a temperature
- new or worsening symptoms that worry you
Do not put new symptoms down to a condition you already have without getting them checked.
Getting referred
Most hospital outpatient and specialist clinic appointments start with a referral from your GP. In England you can often choose which hospital or clinic you are referred to. Ask your GP about your options.
Preparing for an appointment
- Write down your questions and any changes in your symptoms.
- Bring a list of your medicines, or the boxes.
- Ask if you can bring someone with you for support.
- Check how to get there. If you cannot travel because of your health, you may be eligible for patient transport. See Accessible transport.
If you have a concern or compliment
Every NHS hospital has a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). PALS can help with questions, concerns or problems with your care, and explain how to make a formal complaint if you want to.
Local services
Services that can help
- NHS
Havering Long Term Conditions Clinic
Specialist NHS clinic for diabetes and breathing conditions, with nurse-led reviews and education sessions.
- Area
- Romford, Havering (borough-wide)
- Fees
- Free (NHS)
- Clinic
- Phone
Last checked 12 September 2026
Helpful downloads
Colouring · Free
Hospital signpost
A hospital signpost to colour, showing the departments people often visit. A4.
Download Hospital signpost(PDF, 2.3 MB)
Puzzle · Free
Match the hospital department
A simple matching activity: draw a line from each example to the hospital department that helps with it.
Download Match the hospital department(PDF, 403 KB)
Tracker · Free
My appointment notes
Prepare, ask questions and record next steps: what you want to discuss, what has changed, and what happens next.
Download My appointment notes(PDF, 400 KB)
Page last updated 12 October 2026