Our Gynaecology Outpatients Department is based on the ground floor of the Maternity Unit at St. Mary's Hospital.
Referral to the service is via your GP or another consultant where specialised diagnosis for various gynaecological conditions is required.
Gynaecological clinics are held Monday to Friday at 8:30am to 5pm. These are:
- Colposcopy - a medical diagnostic procedure to examine the cervix and tissues of the vagina and vulva.
- Hysteroscopy – the inspection of the uterine cavity by endoscopy with access through the cervix.
- Oncology – management of gynaecological cancers.
- Fast Track – investigative for potential gynaecological cancers
- Fertility – investigations into fertility issues.
- Urogynaecology – managing female urinary incontinence.
- Urodynamics – a bladder investigation to identify causes of incontinence.
- Pessary clinics – specialised clinics for the removal / change of vaginal pessaries.
- Minor procedure clinics – specialised clinic to treat minor surgical problems.
The Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit offers a consultation and vaginal scan when required to investigate symptoms of threatened miscarriage and Ectopic Pregnancy. This service is available for women who are 6 to 12 weeks pregnant.
Consultation
This will be your first visit to one of the clinics. In advance, it will help to think about your medical history and have the following details ready:
-
previous medical history
- previous gynaecological history
- present symptoms
- present course of treatment including the medication you are taking.
Although the consultant’s name may be on your appointment letter you may be seen by another doctor, who is part of the team, and who will discuss your care with the consultant if required.
As you are attending the department with a gynaecological problem it is highly likely that you will receive an internal examination. There will be a female nurse present as a chaperone throughout the examination, and will support you through this.
All examinations are carried out in an enclosed private room. It is our aim to respect your privacy and dignity throughout your appointment. If you have any problems with the examination please let the clinic nurse know as she will be able to support you and answer your questions.
Medical staff
Sometimes medical students, GP trainees, or student nurses, will be in attendance during your appointment as this forms part of their training. If this is against your wishes please let the clinic nurse know.
Cancelling appointments
If you are unable to keep your appointment please ensure you give at least 24 hours notice so that we can offer it to someone else. Cancelling appointments on the day or failing to attend appointments without prior notice may mean that you will have to be seen by your GP again and be re- referred, causing you delay in receiving treatment.
Waiting to be seen
We try to ensure that you are seen at your appointment time. Occasionally there are times, beyond our control, when there are delays. If this happens the nursing and reception staff will endeavour to keep you informed of the clinic's progress.
Please do not attend more than 15 minutes prior to your appointment as you will not be booked in and may have a long wait. You may notice that other patients are being called in ahead of you. This is because there are many other clinics running at the same time. If you have any concerns please ask at the reception staff.
After your appointment
If you have any questions regarding your appointment or there is anything you did not understand, please speak to the nurse before you leave.
We appreciate that sometimes patients have questions after their appointments. If this is the case, please ring our faculty clerks on 01983 534197 and a nurse will ring you back as soon as possible.
Please remember to make your follow up appointment at the reception desk, if required, before you leave.
And finally, for gynaecological, Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU), and consultant antenatal appointments, please book in at the reception desk on the ground floor.
For all scan appointments please book in at the maternity reception desk on the first floor.
The entrance at night is by the side door up the hill, head towards the north entrance, and take the first turning on the right.
