FAQ

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.