Before treatment

Before each treatment you'll see a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. They'll assess any side effects, weigh you and do a blood test. This is usually 2 working days before your chemotherapy treatment.

Your appointment might be at:

• your normal clinic
• the Outpatients Village
• the Chemotherapy Village
• a mobile centre

Changing or cancelling your appointment

Phone: the numbers on your treatment card

Email: [email protected]

Please tell a member of your hospital team as soon as possible. It is important to find another time to come to clinic so your treatment is not delayed.

Before your appointment

Please do not schedule other appointments on the morning or afternoon of your appointment.

We aim to see all patients at their appointed times. However, we can be very busy and sometimes there are delays.

You might also need tests or to see more than one person at your appointment.

Arriving at the Cancer Centre at Guy's

If you are coming to Guy's Hospital, you will need to check in first at the ground floor of the Cancer Centre at Guy's. This area is called the Welcome Village.

Please bring your appointment letter with you and use the electronic check-in screens. There will be staff on-hand to help.

If you feel unwell when you arrive in the department, please let the nursing staff know. We are here to help.

We also offer chemotherapy at Guy's Cancer at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup.

What to expect at your assessment

Your appointment should last about 20 to 30 minutes.

At the assessment you will:

• have a blood test to make sure you have enough healthy blood cells for treatment
• see your clinical team to talk about how you are feeling
• be weighed so we know if this is changing and to make sure we are giving you the correct amount of chemotherapy

Sometimes you might need tests like an X-ray or scan. Your doctor or nurse will tell you how you will be given any test results.

It's a good idea to wear a top and trousers or skirt, so you do not have to take all your clothes off for a physical examination. If you need to have a physical examination, a chaperone will usually be present. If not, please ask for one.

A member of your hospital team will ask your permission for any student to be there during your consultation. If you do not want a student there, please tell us. We respect your wishes and your decision will not affect the care you receive.

Blood tests

Please check with your treatment team that your blood tests are ordered before attending our blood test locations.

You should have a blood test 2 working days before your treatment. These 2 days gives the team time to review your bloods, make sure you are well enough for treatment, and make your prescription. There may be exceptions, and we may need to do more blood tests.

Please take a look at our Christmas opening times before booking during this period.

Guy's Cancer patients

You can walk-in without an appointment for a blood test at:

• Cancer Centre at Guy's, Welcome village, 8am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday

Book your appointment

You can book your blood test online for outpatient appointments at:

• St Thomas’ Hospital (including Evelina London patients)
• Gracefield Gardens
• Tessa Jowell health centre

If you're unable to book online you can visit the clinic and we will book the next available appointment.

Appointment needed

• Guy's Cancer at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup