I am going to be discharged from hospital care soon.
How long do I stay under the hospital care?
Everyone will have an individual plan for what their ongoing hospital care looks like. People can have ongoing check-ins at hospital, in the community (e.g. GP) or as and when they feel they need it. These plans are personalised cancer follow up plans.
- https://canceralliance.wyhpartnership.co.uk/our-work/living-with-and-beyond-cancer/personalised-care/personal-stratified-follow-and-supported-self-management
Do I need ongoing cancer monitoring or checks?
Some cancers will require ongoing monitoring. Your clinical team and GP will be told what that means for you.
What support is available to help me move forward with or after cancer?
Cancer can have a significant impact on our lives. Health and Wellbeing Events (HWBEs) are education and support sessions that provide individuals living with or beyond cancer with information to live as healthily and actively as possible during or after cancer treatment.
- https://cancerwellbeinglondon.nhs.uk/health-and-wellbeing-events/
How will I continue to get support once I am discharged?
Your GP practice will be able to offer support - they can carry out cancer care reviews once you are ready. Contact them if you do not hear anything.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwxIreE3pVU
How do I get help if I have further questions?
The hospital team and GP team, as well as many of the cancer charities, can provide a lot of advice depending on need.
- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/contact-us/talk-to-our-nurses
What information do I need to have about my treatment so far?
You will have had a holistic needs assessment (HNA) at various points of your care. Your team will also be producing a summary document of your treatment to date. This document should highlight the main long term effects to be aware of. This is an important document to share with your GP.
- https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/coping-with-treatment/holistic-needs-assessment-hna
- https://www.macmillan.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/innovation-in-cancer-care/personalised-care
What should I do if I am worried my cancer is back after discharge?
Contact your GP for any new concerns you may have. It's helpful to flag if you have a history of cancer when booking your appointment so the administrative team can help to give you priority. You can also call the Cancer Research Helpline and speak to a Nurse Tel: 0808 800 4040
- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/contact-us/talk-to-our-nurses
What can I do about long term effects of my cancer treatment?
This will depend on what the effects are. You should talk to your doctor for further advice.
- https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/after-treatment/late-effects-of-treatment
I need support to help me living with or after cancer
Coping with having cancer can be difficult. There are a number resources for help and support - from coping with emotions to daily practical support. You may also find it useful to visit the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at your hospital and ask what ongoing support is available for you.
- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping
Can I give feedback about my care?
The NHS has a number of patient surveys, which give insightful feedback to healthcare providers so they can improve their service. In cancer care, the Quality of Life Survey has been introduced for those who have been living with cancer for the last 18 months. You may wish to take part when you are asked.
- https://www.cancerqol.england.nhs.uk/about_the_survey/index.html
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.