Hannah Sylvester BSc (Hons), MNIMH.

Walk and talk appointments

For some people, a walking appointment, or ‘walk and talk’ appointment can be really beneficial for review appointments.

At walking appointments, we meet at an agreed outdoor location, and take a gentle walk, talking as we go, with me walking by your side, and you benefitting from the wider aspects of being with nature, and perhaps noting aspect of nature as you walk, that you resonate with. If there’s a bench along the way to sit on, or if you need to take a seat at some point, this is also often possible. I make notes about the consultation after we finish, and sometimes, may take your pulse at the end of a consultation. Sometimes people take ‘found nature’ items home with them, that they’ve found along the way, like a leaf they find beautiful, or an unusual stone.

I ensure to walk only in known, safe locations, with suitable parking, and always carry a fully charged mobile phone, and first aid kit. Safety of us both is paramount, and I also notify my safe point-of-contact, where we will be walking, and how long we will be walking for. Your name is not mentioned. There are a number of locations in which we can meet, and it’s important for you to let me know when we’re agreeing a location, if there’s anywhere you would prefer not to meet, for confidentiality reasons.

Weather can naturally play a part in whether a walking appointment is appropriate, or safe. I will walk in light rain, but not in heavy rain, or strong winds. Least of all, it’s really important for me to hear you, but most of all, it’s important we are both safe. Dogs are welcome on walking appointments, providing they are not a distraction to the consultation process.

Walking appointments are only suitable for certain review appointments, after a full initial appointment has already taken place, to enable your health history notes to be taken. They are at the discretion of Hannah, and are not automatically granted, as many different aspects can play into whether this is a suitable appointment format for you.