Attending my FIRST appointment after being referred
Your first appointment will be with a healthcare professional, for example a doctor or nurse. The questions in this section will help you prepare for your appointment.
What will happen at my appointment?
You will be seen by a doctor or a nurse who will carry out a further consultation about your overall health and symptoms to identify the tests that will be required.
What should I do if I need support to understand what is happening at my consultation?
If you need a translator or advocate, ask what services are available to help you to get the most from your consultation.
What questions should I prepare to ask in the appointment?
You may find it helpful to ask for detail around your symptoms. For example, What can you tell me about the symptoms I have?” What is causing my symptoms? What actions can I take while waiting for tests.
What tests will I need to have?
The tests will depend on your individual symptoms. The doctor or nurse that you see will advise which test/s and how to prepare for them as well as how long they will take.
Will I need more than one appointment?
There may be a series of appointments depending on the number of tests and the requirements for each test. It is a good idea to prepare so you can attend all of these, for example to arrange time if you are employed or have care responsibilities.
How do I contact the cancer team if I need to?
Ask if a named person or department number and/or email is available.
Can I see my health records online?
Ask your clinical team if you can access to your records online. If not, you can also request this information as a printed copy from your GP surgery.
- https://digital.nhs.uk/services/nhs-login/
Where can I get information about hospital parking or support with travel costs?
The hospital website will have helpful information on how to get there via public transport and tell you what parking arrangements are available. Information on support with travel costs can also be found on this website.
- https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/healthcare-travel-costs-scheme-htcs/
Disclaimer
This checklist as been co-created with residents, patients and carers from the five north central London boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington, as well as healthcare professionals. The checklist gives an overall picture of the main steps in the cancer pathway but recognises there will be variation for many people. The signposted third party resources have been carefully selected and verified. We endeavour to ensure they are current and active but cannot guarantee this.