For patients whose first language is not English, or who have limited understanding of English, we try to provide in-person or telephone interpreter services for the initial consultation. This helps with translation of medical terms and information, so that family members can focus on discussions with the health care team instead of taking on the role of interpreter.
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CD or DVD of your imaging studies. Your referring doctor may give you a CD or DVD of imaging studies you may have had done such as
x-rays,
CT scans,
MRIs or
ultrasounds. If so, it is very important to bring this CD or DVD with you.
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All medications you are currently taking in their original packaging. This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamin or mineral supplements and herbal remedies.
See also: My First Appointment at UHN »
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Medications that you need to take.
Appointments can take several hours. Bring with you any medications you normally take during the day.
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A trusted friend or family member.
A friend or family member can give you emotional support and can help you make good choices. They can also help you gather information, take notes and ask questions.
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Questions to ask.
Bring a list of questions to your appointment to help you remember everything you want to ask.
Learn more about what to bring to your appointment »
The first person you meet at the clinic is the
Patient Flow Coordinator. To sign in with the Patient Flow Coordinator you will need your health card (OHIP card). If you do not have an OHIP card, please bring another form of government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license, passport, or other provincial health card).
Before each clinic appointment (in-person or virtual), you will be asked to answer questions about your health and wellbeing. Use eCheck-In to report your symptoms and concerns to your healthcare team. You will still need to check in with the front desk staff, eCheck-In does not replace checking in in-person.
Learn more about eCheck-In »
At the end of your first appointment, the nurse or doctor will give you a contact list for your health care team. If you don’t get a contact list, feel free to ask for it.
After every appointment, the nurse will tell you about your next visit. Be sure you understand what is going to happen next. For example, know the time and place of your next visit or if someone will call you with this information.
If you are unsure about what your next steps are, don’t be afraid to ask a member of your team. We are there to help you.
Other resources that you may find helpful:
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The Cancer Journey Resources include a personal guidebook and planner. These resources are available to all new patients at the Princess Margaret. You can pick up a free copy from your clinic or at the Princess Margaret Patient & Family Library. The Cancer Journey Guide Book and Planner are also available online or on the Princess Margaret Journey App.
Learn more about the Cancer Journey Resources »
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My Surgery Binder is an information guide and personal-care tool to help you prepare for surgery and for the healing time that follows surgery.
We understand that reaching us by phone can sometimes be difficult. Often our phone lines are busy or are turned over to the message centre so clinic staff can prepare for clinic visits or help other patients.
We make every effort to return your call within 24 hours. Our staff will try to reach you 2 times. If we are not able to reach you directly – and you do not have an answering machine for us to leave a message – you may need to call us again.
