How to Create a Hospital Passports | Cancer Support

Written By Lotte May
Founder of Comfort Crate & Cancer Advocate

What is the Purpose of a Hospital Passport?

As you navigate your cancer journey, you will likely encounter dozens of different healthcare professionals. While they are experts in oncology, they may be unaware of your other health conditions, disabilities, or specific communication needs. A hospital passport is a concise document that ensures every member of your care team is aware of your requirements, reducing anxiety and stress when you are at your most vulnerable.

In order to provide the highest quality treatment, a hospital passport equips staff with vital information. This allows them to make reasonable adjustments—a legal requirement in the UK—ensuring your care is tailored to you as an individual, not just your diagnosis.

The Science of Patient-Centered Care (PCC)

Modern medicine is shifting toward Patient-Centered Care (PCC), a research-backed framework that prioritises the patient’s personal values and specific needs. Studies show that when patients have a voice in their clinical environment-such as through a hospital passport—clinical outcomes improve, and treatment-related trauma is significantly reduced. By using a passport, you are actively participating in this evidence-based model to ensure safer, more empathetic care.

What to Include in Your Passport

Your passport should be easy to read at a glance. Consider including:

• Communication Preferences: How you best receive and process information.
• Existing Conditions: Any disabilities or chronic illnesses outside of your cancer diagnosis.
• Communication Aids: If you use hearing aids, glasses, or non-verbal communication tools.
• Allergies & Sensitivities: Previous bad reactions to medications or adhesives.
• Appointment Logs: A central place to track dates and times.
• Symptom Tracking: A section to note new or worsening side effects.
• Advocacy Notes: What to do when you are not feeling well enough to speak for yourself.

A Personal Journey: Giving Silence a Voice

I developed my own hospital passport because of my selective mutism, high anxiety, and needle phobia. In a busy hospital setting, I often encountered doctors who didn't understand how to approach someone with selective mutism, which inadvertently made my anxiety worse. My passport gave me a voice when I couldn't find my own, explaining exactly how to approach me and what would help keep my stress levels manageable.

How I Planned My Passport

To keep my information organised and useful for the nursing staff, I focused on three main categories:

• About My Condition: This section explains my selective mutism and needle phobia, giving staff immediate context on my health history.
• What Helps During Treatment: I listed specific environmental factors—like quiet rooms or low lighting—that help keep my anxiety levels low during infusions.
• How to Communicate with Me: I outlined my preferences for face-to-face interaction and alternative ways to reach me if I am unable to speak.

Prepare for Your First Session: A hospital passport is a vital part of your toolkit, but physical comfort matters just as much. To ensure you have all the essentials for your first day of treatment—from hydration to comfort items—discover our Chemo Starter Kit. Carefully curated by a survivor to help you navigate the clinical environment with confidence.

Further Reading and UK Support:

• NHS England: Hospital Passports for Patients
  The official NHS resource for understanding how passports are used across UK trusts to support patients with additional needs.
• Macmillan Cancer Support: Talking to Your Medical Team
  Practical tips on how to prepare for appointments and ensure your concerns are heard by hospital staff.

About the Author: Lotte May is a Stage 4B Hodgkin Lymphoma survivor and founder of Comfort Crate. She provides cancer patients with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the clinical system with confidence. Read more about her mission.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for support and guidance only. It does not replace the advice of your medical team.