Patient information

Cancer services

Find out what to expect when you come to hospital for your appointment at the gynaecological cancer service.

Your appointment

It is imperative that you attend your first appointment. Please be aware some investigations are essential prior to us providing appropriate and safe treatment option.

We encourage you to bring a partner, relative, close friend or carer to your appointments, as you will need to discuss your condition, which could mean discussing good or bad news.

All patients who need a gynaecological examination will have a chaperone – this could be a friend, but can also be a hospital worker.

Please wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes, as you may need to undress in order for some investigations or examinations to be performed.

Check your appointment letter for anything specific you may have been asked to take. In general it would be helpful if you could bring the following:

your full address and telephone number(s)
your appointment card and appointment letter
your GP’s name and address
money to pay for any prescriptions, or an exemption card
a list of questions you may want to ask your consultant
a list of current medication

If you have any communication or cultural needs, please make us aware prior to your appointment so we can have appropriate staff available.

During your appointment

When you arrive please make your way to the clinic as directed in your appointment letter and check in with the receptionist.

You may be asked to see a variety of doctors and nurses during your first appointment at the clinic, so you will likely be at the centre for several hours.

Where possible we will try to organise all your tests, examinations and consultations to take place during one visit to try to avoid the need for multiple visits to the hospital. However, we will always give you the opportunity to go away and think about things before making a decision on appropriate treatment.

You may have a gynaecological examination and blood tests as needed based upon your symptoms.

Please note that we are a teaching hospital, so medical students may be present for some appointments. If you do not wish to have them in the room please let the nurse or doctor know and the students will be asked to step outside.

After your appointment

You will be given the details for the next steps which may involve further tests or treatment. You may also be seen by a specialist nurse who will help coordinate your care.

After your appointment, clinicians will follow up with you and keep you updated of any developments.