Neuropsychology Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get referred?

You can be referred to our service through your GP or other medical professional. Please note we only accept NHS referrals. 

How will I know when my appointment is?

We will send you your appointment details by text message once your appointment has been made. We will often call you to make sure the time works for you before booking. 

You can find more information about online letters Digital communications at North Bristol NHS Trust.

Can someone come with me?

Yes, you’re welcome to bring a family member, friend, or carer. They may be asked to wait in the waiting room or return later during cognitive testing sessions to limit distractions.

What if I need accessibility support?

• British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters
• Communication aids
• Extra time during the appointment
• Easy-read materials

We want to make sure your visit is as comfortable and accessible as possible.

Mobility support: The Rosa Burden Centre has level access and is wheelchair accessible. Please bring any mobility aids you normally use (such as a wheelchair, walker, or stick)

Communication support: If you have difficulty speaking, understanding, or hearing, we can provide support. This may include:

 If English is not your first language, we can arrange for a professional interpreter to support you during your appointment. We can also provide translated versions of important documents or appointment information in your preferred language, where possible.

To arrange this, please contact us as soon as you receive your appointment letter. Let us know:

• The language you need
• Whether you need an interpreter in person or by phone/video
• If you need any written materials translated

If you need any of these services, or if you're unsure what support might help, please contact us before your appointment. We're here to help.

What should I bring with me?

Please bring your glasses or hearing aids if you use them, any previous psychological or neuropsychological assessment reports, and your appointment letter.

Do I need to prepare or study beforehand?

You don’t need to study or prepare before your assessment. Just get a good night’s sleep, eat beforehand, and bring anything you normally use like glasses or hearing aids.

What if I feel anxious about the appointment?

It’s completely normal to feel nervous. The neuropsychologist will explain everything clearly and make sure you’re comfortable. You can take breaks if you need to.

I’m worried about my memory, should I be worried? 

It’s very common to have concerns about memory, many people notice changes, especially during times of stress or illness. A neuropsychological assessment can help understand what’s going on.

During the assessment, we’ll look at your memory and other thinking skills. This helps us see whether your memory is working as expected. If it isn’t, we’ll explore possible reasons and suggest next steps to support you.
 

Where is the clinic located?

Our clinic is based in the Rosa Burden Centre, which is part of the Southmead Hospital site in Bristol.

The Rosa Burden Centre is located near the Dorian Way entrance, separate from the main Brunel Building. It’s a short walk from the main hospital car parks.

If you're unsure where to go when you arrive, staff at the main entrance of Brunel building can help direct you.

Is there parking or public transport nearby?

Yes. Southmead Hospital has several public car parks, including multi-storey and accessible parking areas. Charges apply 24/7, and you can pay by card or phone. Spaces can be limited, so please allow extra time.

The hospital is also well served by public transport, with over 12 bus routes stopping on or near the site. The nearest train stations are Bristol Parkway, Filton Abbey Wood, and Temple Meads, all with bus connections to the hospital.

For full travel and parking details, visit Southmead Hospital | North Bristol NHS Trust

What happens when I arrive?

Please check in at reception and wait in the quiet reception area. A member of the team will come to meet you and guide you through the next steps.

What will I be asked to do?

When you attend the appointment(s):

• You may be asked to discuss your difficulties with a neuropsychologist.
• You may be asked to do some tests of your thinking skills, like memory.
• You may be asked to complete some questionnaires about your emotions, for example stress and worry, or feelings of unhappiness.

If appropriate, you will have an assessment of your thinking skills, such as your memory ability, and of how you are feeling emotionally. This will be done either face to face or by video-call, through questionnaires and cognitive tests. The assessment requires concentration and effort, and some people may feel tired afterwards.

Will the assessment be painful?

No, the assessment is not painful. It involves talking and doing pen and paper tasks, there are no needles, scans, or physical procedures.

How long will it take?

Appointments can range from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the reason for your referral. You’ll be told in advance how long to expect.

The cognitive testing session typically does require a lot of concentration and effort. The reason it takes a long time is because there is a lot that the brain can do, and we want to ensure we have given you every opportunity to demonstrate what abilities you have and what things are a problem for you.

Can I take breaks if I get tired?

Yes, absolutely. There is the opportunity to have breaks and take rests should you find the assessment tiring. There are times during the assessment where it might be difficult to stop immediately to take a break but if you let the clinician know when you need a break, they’ll create space for a break as soon as possible.  

What if I can’t finish the assessment?

That’s okay. If you feel unwell or too tired to continue, we can stop the session and make a plan to complete the assessment on another day. 
 

What happens after the assessment?

The neuropsychologist will review your results and write a report, considering your medical history and referral reason.

You may be invited back to go over the results of your assessment, their implications and any potential ways forward to improve things. Sometimes this will involve further appointments for rehabilitation / therapy as appropriate.

When and how will I get the results?

The results of the neuropsychological assessment are typically described in a report that goes to the referring doctor and any other professionals involved in your care. Often, but not always, the report is also copied to you. When this does not happen, it is because it would be more helpful for the referring doctor to describe the neuropsychological assessment results to you together with other test results and clinical information. In this way, the referring doctor can formulate a diagnosis or plan with you.
The length of time for a report to be completed can vary depending on the service you are under within neuropsychology. If you would like more information about the timeline for your report, please ask the psychologist/neuropsychologist that you are seeing.

Will the results affect my ability to work or drive?

The assessment itself doesn’t make decisions about work or driving. However, if the results show difficulties that could affect safety or performance, your healthcare team may discuss this with you and offer guidance or support.

Can I ask questions about the report later?

Yes. If you have questions or need help understanding the report, you can contact the team. We’re happy to explain the results and what they mean for you.

In most cases, your cognitive testing session will be carried out by an assistant psychologist —a trained member of the team who works under the supervision of a qualified clinical neuropsychologist/psychologist.

You may also meet a neuropsychologist or clinical psychologist, especially during your first appointment, for feedback, or if further sessions are needed. Everyone you meet will be experienced, supportive, and there to help you feel at ease.

What is a neuropsychologist?

A neuropsychologist is a psychologist who specialises in how the brain affects thinking, memory, emotions, and behaviour. They use this knowledge to assess how your brain is working and to help understand any changes you may be experiencing.
Neuropsychological assessments are a way of describing and measuring the effects that changes in the brain can have on thinking skills, behaviour, and emotion.
Changes in thinking skills and behaviour may be caused by aging, brain damage or disease, and sometimes by stress or low mood.  
Neuropsychologists also commonly provide rehabilitation and treatment to help people manage and work around any difficulties they might have. 

Find out more about the Neuropsychology Team
 

Will I have more than one appointment?

It depends on your needs and reason for referral. Many people only need one appointment for assessment. However, you may be invited back for a feedback session or further appointments if more support or information is needed.

What happens if I need further support after the assessment?

If your assessment shows that you would benefit from extra help, we’ll make recommendations. This might include referrals to other services, strategies to support your daily life, or follow-up appointments with our team.
 

You might be referred to see a neuropsychologist for a number of reasons including:

• To help you and/or your healthcare providers understand more about how your thinking skills are working, to assist with making a medical diagnosis, or assess the impact of a neurological condition/illness on your thinking skills, mood, and coping.
• To help evaluate your suitability for surgery or to monitor the effects of surgery or medical treatment.
• To try and identify what might help with any changes to thinking, emotions, or behaviour you are experiencing.
• To help you cope with the effects of a neurological illness or injury and/or provide advice on cognitive strategies or psychological treatments that may be useful to you.

If you have been sent this appointment for cognitive testing:

• To see how your brain is working and/or how you are coping with a neurological injury/condition.
• To try to identify what would help you cope better with your difficulties.
• The primary purpose of your assessment will be explained to you at your appointment.

How will this assessment help with my treatment or care?

The assessment helps build a clearer picture of your strengths and any areas where you might need support. This information can guide your treatment, help with diagnosis, and support decisions about work, daily life, or rehabilitation.