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ContrastNew Patients
If you are a new patient to the London Regional Cancer Program (LRCP), you should read this information. Your first visit will be with an oncologist to talk about treating your cancer. The information listed below will help you prepare for this visit.
I speak another language or use sign language
LRCP is located at the corner of Wellington Road South and Commissioners Road East. It is the building closest to Wellington Road at Victoria Hospital of the London Health Sciences Centre.
Visitors should use parking lots P1 and P2. They are located across from LRCP’s main entrance. The main entrance faces Commissioners Road.
Daily, weekly or monthly parking passes are available. If you will be coming to LRCP on a regular basis it is less costly to buy a weekly or monthly pass. You may purchase weekly or monthly passes from the attendant at the parking booth as you exit the parking lot.
You can pay for daily parking with a credit card as you enter the lot. You will need to swipe your credit card again when leaving so please have it ready. You can also pay for daily parking in the Main Reception Area before you leave LRCP, at the pay station in the parking lot, or with the parking lot attendant parking as you exit.
Prices are subject to change without notice. Parking at LHSC is operated by Standard Parking. LRCP has no control over parking prices.
Several spaces in parking lot P2 are reserved for people with handicaps. These are located across from the main entrance. Wheelchairs are available just inside the front doors for your use while you are here.
The 6 Richmond and 24 Baseline buses will take you directly to the hospital. The 1 Kipps Lane/Thompson Road and the 13 Wellington buses will drop you off near the hospital.
For schedules, fares and information call the London Transit Commission at 519-451-1347.
If you are coming to LRCP by ambulance, please bring all medicines you need for the day as well as some snacks.
You may have a long wait for an ambulance to take you home. Ambulances must first deal with emergencies before they transfer patients. LRCP has no control over this.
If you need a ride to the LRCP, contact your local Canadian Cancer Society. A volunteer driver may be able to provide you with a ride to your cancer related appointment.
Before you leave home, please bring the following:
- Your Ontario Health or OHIP card
- All your medicines, including over-the-counter medication, vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements - please bring the original bottles or containers
- A list of questions with the most important questions at the top of the list
- Name, address and phone number of your Family Doctor
- Name, address and phone number of your pharmacy or drug store
- Group and policy numbers or your drug card for your drug insurance plan
- Cash, debit or credit card in case you need to pick up prescriptions
- Eyeglasses and hearing aid if you use them
- A family member or friend
- If the patient can not make decisions for him/herself, a family member with a medical power of attorney should come with them so that treatment decisions can be made
I speak another language or use sign language
If you speak a language other than English, please bring someone who can help you during your first appointment. During your first visit, you will be asked about the language you prefer to use and LRCP will attempt to get an interpreter. Please note that interpreters are hired from outside agencies and might not be available at all times.
When booking your visits, please remind staff to book an interpreter.
If you are diabetic, please bring your meals and snacks each time you come for an appointment. You must also bring your insulin and syringes. The LRCP Pharmacy does not carry these medicines. It is important to let your nurse know you are an insulin dependent diabetic.
You are encouraged to bring a family member or friend to your first visit. Many people feel anxious and find it helpful to have someone with them. A family member or friend can help you remember the information given to you.
Your first visit will involve many steps. Please plan to be at the London Regional Cancer Program (LRCP) for at least four hours. Many tests are needed to help your oncologist plan the best possible treatment for you. Here are some of the general steps involved in your first visit:
- You will meet the receptionist who will help you find your way. Reception is on Level 2 by the main entrance. If you are not feeling well, tell the receptionist. Your nurse will find a place for you to rest.
- You will register and answer a short questionnaire before you meet your primary nurse and oncologist.
- You will then be taken to a waiting area.
- Your nurse will record your height, weight and history of your present illness. This will allow for referral to other members of the health care team as necessary. You will then go to an examining room.
- A medical resident or clinical assistant, acting under the supervision of your oncologist, may perform a physical exam and take your history.
- Diagnostic tests may be taken. These might include blood tests, x-rays, and scans. Tests help you and your oncologist plan the best possible treatment for you.
- You will meet with your oncologist to discuss your treatment choices. A return visit may be arranged to either start treatment or talk more about your care.
Sometimes, other substances can react with the cancer treatment. It is very important to know all the medicines you are taking. Bring all your current medicines, including over-the-counter drugs in their original containers. Include any vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements that you take.
If you want to learn more about complementary therapies. please click here.
You are an important part of your health care team. LRCP encourages you to take an active role in your care. If you have any questions or concerns, write them down, and talk to a member of your care team at your next appointment. Asking questions lets your healthcare team understand what is important to you.
Sometimes it is difficult to know what questions to ask. If this is a concern, please tell a member of your health care team.
The Canadian Cancer Society can help you make a list of questions to ask your health care team.
The Canadian Cancer Society provides free tea and coffee in all waiting areas.
There is a Tim Horton’s and a ‘Soup and Sandwich’ cart on LRCP Level 1 where you can buy coffee, tea, soup, and snacks. Tim Horton’s is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
You may bring your own lunch, especially if you are diabetic or you have other special diet needs.
During your first visit, you will also learn about services you can access. These services include: social work, nutritional advice, spiritual care, the Patient and Family Library, and Thameswood Lodge.
For more detail, you will receive a copy of "Your Guide to the London Regional Cancer Program." It lists and explains many of the services that you can access. You can also get more information by browsing our web site.
LRCP Virtual Orientation
For New Patients
Glossary of Terms
Quick Links
Contact LRCP
Parking, Maps, Directions
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