Do I have to attend SW aftercare clinics?
Attendance at the clinic is an optional part of your care after
completing treatment for cancer. Nevertheless, we strongly
recommend that all young people are given the opportunity to be
seen in a SW aftercare clinic at some point so that we can help
them decide what they want to do about follow up in the future.
Normally we offer appointments to anyone who is 16 years or over
and for whom at least five years has passed since their cancer
diagnosis (and at least three or more years since they completed
treatment). However, our appointment rules are flexible and we
sometimes we see people even when they do not fit these
criteria.
We also run clinics for patients aged 11 to 15 years.
How often will I need to come to the SW aftercare clinic?
How often you come to clinic after your first assessment depends
on what you and the aftercare team decide. It will depend on
whether we think you need any tests or if we suggest there are
reasons why you need to be monitored more carefully. This will be
discussed with you the first time you come to clinic.
Many of our patients attend the clinic only once a year or at
less frequent intervals. After a time, we may agree that there is
no need for someone to continue to attend the clinic. If this is
the case for you, we will provide you and your GP with all the
information we think you need for the future. Even if you no longer
attend clinic, you and your GP will still be able to contact us for
advice and information via our Macmillan support worker. If
necessary, we will arrange for you to return to see us in clinic
and this can be done without any worry about the need for formal
re-referral.
What about seeing my GP and other health professionals?
SW aftercare clinics are not meant to replace the relationship
that you have with your GP or with any other health professionals
you may be seeing.
We want to provide you with information about your previous
cancer treatment that will help you and your GP to decide if any
special care needs to be taken over your healthcare in the
future.
We will usually write letters to you after each clinic visit and
copy it to your GP and, with your permission, to anyone else who
may be involved in your care. These letters will provide a record
of the plan we make with you in clinic - this is your care
plan.
After your first visit to the SW Aftercare clinic we will also
provide you with a copy of a record of your previous treatment.
This is your treatment summary. You may find it helpful to share
this, and your care plan, with any other doctors you see in the
future.
What things are likely to be discussed with me in clinic?
Apart from talking about your current health and whether or not
you have any new concerns, we will usually talk to you, when
appropriate, about some or all of the following things:
- Understanding your cancer and its treatment
- Referral to other professionals or specialist teams if
needed
- The need for any additional tests or check-ups
- Healthy lifestyle advice
- Support in making health care decisions
- Fertility advice
- Advice about education and employment
- Advice about benefits and insurance
- Psychological support.
Can I bring someone with me to clinic?
Yes. You are welcome to bring your partner or a friend if you
would like their support. In the past you probably came to clinic
with your parents and they are still welcome to come with you.
However, we also think it helpful that you try to have at least
part of your consultation alone as this may help you to ask
questions that you could find difficult to ask when others are
present.
All the information you share with us will be treated in the
strictest confidence.
How long does my appointment last?
The first visit to SW Aftercare can take at least an hour. We
hope you will find it useful to have such an in-depth review and
that you can make the time available. Follow up appointments are
usually allocated for up to half an hour. Given the complicated
nature of some of our discussions, we sometimes fail to keep to
time. We try to avoid this as far as is possible but apologise if
you ever find your own appointment is delayed.
Who can I contact about my appointment or if I have a question
or query for the team?
Your first point of contact for the aftercare service is the
Macmillan support worker who will deal with your requests
appropriately whether this is through them or by passing onto
another member of the team depending on the query.
Who do I contact if I develop a new symptom or feel
unwell?
SW Aftercare clinics are not meant to replace the relationship
that you have with your GP or with any other health professionals
you may be seeing. If you feel unwell you should book an
appointment with your registered practice that will be able to
manage your needs appropriately. You can also contact the Aftercare
team so that they can update your medical records at the hospital
and or if you need the team to speak to other professionals on your
behalf.
What is a care plan?
We will usually write letters to you after each clinic visit and
copy it to your GP and, with your permission, to anyone else who
may be involved in your care. These letters will provide a record
of the plan we make with you in clinic - this is your care plan. If
you receive your care plan and have any questions about its content
or want to change something then please do contact the team and we
would be happy to discuss this with you.
What is a treatment summary?
After your first visit to the SW Aftercare clinic we will also
provide you with a copy of a record of your previous diagnosis and
treatment. This is your treatment summary. You may find it helpful
to share this, and your care plan, with any other doctors you see
in the future.
