You can use the checklists below to help you prepare for your upcoming appointment.
Things to do
- Know where to go. Make sure to plan your trip ahead of time and look for directions to the hospital and the area of the hospital where you need to register before you leave home. If you are looking for more information on how to get to the Cancer Centre of South Eastern Ontario, visit getting to KGH.
- Your first appointment could last several hours. Try not to book other appointments on this day. Prepare for a long visit by making other arrangements for things like family or work obligations.
- If your appointment is for chemotherapy or other drug therapies, eat a small breakfast and wear comfortable clothes with sleeves that can be rolled up.
What to bring
- Your Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card.
- A list of all your medications, including over-the-counter medication, vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements. Write down your dose and how often you take each medication.
- Any daily medications you may need to take during your visit, like pain medicine, insulin or inhalers.
- Any test results or other information your primary care provider or referring doctor gave you to bring to your appointment.
- A list of symptoms, questions or concerns, with the most important at the top of the list.
- The name, address and phone number of your primary care provider and your pharmacy or drug store.
- Your drug insurance card or your drug insurance group and policy numbers, if you have a drug insurance plan.
- A lunch or snacks, especially if you have special diet needs.
- A book, magazine or other entertainment.
- Cash or a credit card to pay for parking or in case you need to fill prescriptions.
- Eyeglasses or hearing aid if you use them.
- A family member or friend to assist with taking notes and to provide support. If your appointment is for chemotherapy or other drug therapies, your family member or friend should be over the age of 16 for safety reasons.
- If you are staying overnight at the hospital, you may also want to bring comfortable clothing, slippers, a toothbrush, toothpaste, unscented shampoo and body lotion, and shaving supplies. It is wise to leave your valuables, such as your jewelry, credit or debit cards, and computers or tablets, at home. If you are admitted as an inpatient through the Cancer Centre at Kingston General Hospital, visit the while you are here section for more information.
