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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.
Before you leave home, please bring the following:
- Your Ontario Health card or OHIP card
- All of your medicines, including all over the counter medicines, vitamins and herbal products
- Name, address and phone number of your family doctor
- Name, address and phone number of your drug store
- Group and policy numbers for your drug insurance plan
- Eyeglasses or hearing aid, if you use them
- Diabetics should bring meals, insulin and related supplies
- A family member or someone to take notes during the visit
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.
The ‘Park and Stay’ rate is $9.00 per day. You can also buy longer passes at the Parking Office.
Call the Parking Office at 519-685-8500, extension 53078 for more information. LRCP has no control over parking.
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.
If you need a ride to the LRCP, contact your local Canadian Cancer Society. They run a volunteer driver program for people needing rides to their medical appointments.
Two buses take you direct to LRCP:
- # 6 Richmond - service to downtown and the University
- # 24 Baseline - service between Westmount Shopping Centre and Pond Mills.
Two buses take you close to LRCP:
- # 1 Kipps Lane/Thompson Road
- # 13 Wellington
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 because ambulances must first deal with emergencies before they transfer patients. LRCP has no control over this.
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.
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.
If you are diabetic, please bring your meals and snacks for the day. If you take insulin, you must also bring your insulin and syringes. The LRCP Pharmacy does not carry these medicines.
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. She 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 take your height, weight and ask a few questions about your health. 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.
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.
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