Questions to ask

When you come to see your consultant there may be lots of questions you have in mind, but it is not uncommon to find it difficult to remember them at the time of your appointment.  Here are some tips to help you...

• It is a good idea to write down questions you would like an answer to and bring them with you.

• Write down any symptoms you are experiencing.

• You may find your specialist answers all your questions as they talk to you, but it is still useful to go through your questions before the end to check all your concerns have been answered in full. 

• It is helpful to have someone with you when you see your specialist so they can also hear the information. They may pick up on the details while you are focusing upon what is being said overall. 

• Your specialist nurse may also be there to follow the discussion and it may be useful to check through the information you have just heard with them before going home. 

• All of our consultants are willing to answer questions at the time but you may find further questions arise once you are away from the hospital. This may be because you have talked with others, or it may simply be that you have had more time to think through the information. 

• You will always have another chance to ask questions. Your specialist nurse will be happy to answer any questions or can arrange further discussion with your consultant if needed.

• Don't worry if you need to ask a question more than once. You may be given a lot of information at your appointment and it is important that you understand what you are being told.