Patient information
Preparing for your appointment
How to prepare for your breast clinic appointment — what to bring, what to wear, and what to expect on the day — with Dr Fiona Tsang-Wright (GMC 4549831), Consultant Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Breast Surgeon. Most new-patient visits run as a one-stop assessment — examination, breast ultrasound or mammography when needed, and core biopsy if indicated — at the Women's Health Centre on Harley Street, Women's Health Centre - King's Road, and The Chiltern Hospital in Buckinghamshire.
Quick answers
What should I bring?
Previous imaging, referral letter, medications list, and insurance details.
What should I wear?
Two pieces, easy to change from the waist up.
How long will I need?
20–30 min consultation. Allow 60–90 min one-stop clinic. Up to 2 hours if biopsy needed.
What happens on the day?
Examination, imaging alongside a radiologist. A clear next step agreed before you leave.
What to bring
Previous imaging
Any recent mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI images on disc or via your referrer. If your GP has arranged imaging, ask the practice to send the discs to you or directly to the clinic in advance.
Referral letter
If you have one from a GP or another specialist. A referral is helpful but not required for a first private appointment.
List of current medications
Including any blood thinners, hormone treatments, herbal remedies, and over-the-counter medicines.
Insurance details
Your membership number and pre-authorisation code if you are using private medical insurance. If you are self-paying, details of how you plan to settle on the day.
Anything you have written down
Questions, symptoms, dates (when you first noticed a change), family history of breast or ovarian cancer. A short written list is easier than relying on memory in the moment.
What to wear
A two-piece outfit is easier than a dress. You will be asked to change from the waist up for the examination and any imaging. A top that is quick to take off and put back on saves time.
Who to bring
You are welcome to bring a partner, family member, or friend. Many patients find it useful to have a second person in the room to listen, ask questions, and help remember what was said. If you would prefer to be seen on your own, that is equally fine.
If you need an interpreter or a chaperone beyond our standard clinic team, please let the PA know when you book so we can arrange it in advance.
How long to allow
30 minutes
Consultation only:. Around 20 to 30 minutes.
90 minutes
One-stop clinic (consultation + imaging):. 60 to 90 minutes.
One-stop clinic with biopsy:. Allow up to two hours, including a short rest after the procedure.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time to complete any paperwork with the reception team at the hospital.
Accessibility
All Breastory consulting locations have step-free access and accessible WCs. If you have specific access needs — mobility, sensory, neurodiversity, chaperone, interpreter, or anything else you would like the team to know about in advance — please mention it to the PA when you book so the clinic can prepare.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or think you may be pregnant, please tell the radiographer before any imaging. Some tests can still be safely done; others may be deferred or modified.
What will happen on the day
At a one-stop clinic:
- 1
Consultation
A consultation and breast examination with Dr Tsang-Wright.
- 2
Imaging
Imaging (mammogram and ultrasound) on site, alongside a consultant radiologist.
- 3
Joint review
A joint review of the imaging with your examination findings.
- 4
Biopsy if needed
A biopsy, only if clinically indicated.
- 5
Clear next step
A clear next step agreed with you before you leave, with written information to take home.
The full description of each stage — including the range of possible outcomes — is on the one-stop breast clinic page.
Insurance and payment on the day
Insured patients. Bring your insurer’s pre-authorisation code for the consultation and any indicated imaging or biopsy. The hospital will bill your insurer directly; you are responsible for any excess or shortfall.
Self-pay patients. Payment is taken at the hospital on the day (card or bank transfer). A written estimate is available from the PA before the visit.
Full detail: fees and insurance.
Questions worth bringing
You are not expected to arrive with a list — the consultation covers the key questions by design. That said, patients often find these useful to write down in advance:
- When did you first notice the change? Has it got bigger, stayed the same, or varied with your cycle?
- Is there a family history of breast or ovarian cancer? Any genetic testing?
- What are you most worried about?
- What do you want from this appointment — a clear answer, a plan, reassurance, options?
Anything you are not sure how to phrase is fine — the team will help you find the right words.
After the appointment
A written summary will be sent to you and to your GP (with your permission) after the visit. If biopsy results are pending, a follow-up is arranged at the time — usually by telephone or at a short follow-up appointment once the histology is back.
If questions come up between appointments, contact the PA — Sarah or Nadiya respond to patient messages.