What to Expect at the Consultation

• I will see you personally
• I will try to see you on time but occasionally this is not possible if, for example, another consultation
  takes longer than expected
• If there is to be a delay, we will keep you informed
• Only if you agree, occasionally a junior doctor, trainee psychiatrist or trainee psychologist may be present to observe the consultation as part of their training
• Otherwise I expect to see you on your own, unless it is appropriate for someone such as a chaperone or interpreter to be present
• The consultation will probably take between one hour and two hours.
• You will be asked to provide written consent for the preparation of the report
  Click here if you want to see the form you will be asked to sign - Consent form >>
  
• The consultation is likely to start with questions about your background and life story, so that I can understand you as a person; questions about your medical history; and then questions about the matter that is to be the focus of the report, for example, an accident and its effects; a criminal offence or alleged offence; or an allegation of medical negligence and its effects.
  
• There will probably not be a physical examination but if there is a chaperone will be available.
  
• I may ask you to complete some ‘pencil and paper’ tests.
  
• If we run out of time, the person after you may agree to wait, or we may have meet again or finish by telephone.