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Health Screening NHS Lothian | Our Services
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Bowel Screening Programme

Answers to Questions

Answers to common questions relating to Bowel Screening.

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How do I change my appointment?  

To change your appointment, contact the department via telephone (use the number on your letter) or visit our Extra Help page.

Who can go with you? 

For most screening appointments a friend, family member or carer can go with you. For some appointments they may need to leave for part of the appointment. You can contact the department before the appointment to check this.

If you have a learning disability, you can also get support from the Learning Disability Nurses to go to appointments.

Can I book a double appointment?

You can book longer appointments. Contact the department to ask for this and they will look at how they can best support you.

Where can I find helpful contact numbers?

You can find helpful contact numbers for screening and for additional support on our Extra Help page.

What if I don’t have support?

If you have a learning disability, you can get support from the Learning Disability Nurses to go to appointments.

If you require language support, you can ask the department for an interpreter when you contact them.

If you are from a minority ethnic community, you can also self-refer or have a friend or family member refer you to NHS Lothian’s Minority Ethnic Inclusion Service who can support you with attending appointments.

What if I missed an appointment? 

If you missed a screening appointment, contact the department as soon as possible and they will arrange a new appointment for you.

Is there somewhere quiet for me to wait before my appointment?

You, a family member or carer can contact the department before your appointment to ask if there is somewhere quiet for you to wait. This can usually be organised if they know this would be helpful for you, as long as they know before you arrive.

If you have a learning disability, the Learning Disability Nurses can contact departments on your behalf to arrange this.