Gynaecology Assessment Unit

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What is the Gynaecology Assessment Unit?

We are a doctor led specialised unit for women who present as an emergency with acute gynaecological conditions such as:

• Red/swollen/painful lump on the vagina known as a Bartholin’s cyst
• Vaginal bleeding
• Sudden abdominal pain
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Ovarian cyst
• Severe nausea and vomiting in pregnant women (6 to 14 weeks)
• Post operative problems for women who have had gynaecological
  surgery within last 30 days
• Vaginal bleeding or pain in early stages of pregnancy (between 6 to 14 weeks pregnant), presenting outside of Early Pregnancy. Unit working hours 8am to 6pm weekdays
• Fluid collection related to underlying gynaecological cancer known as Ascites
• Ovarian Hyperstimulation following fertility treatment
• Post-natal problems for women who are 10 days post delivery and discharged by the midwife

Where is the unit?

Why am I here?

You may have been referred here by the following:

• Emergency department
• Urgent Care Centre (Out of Hours GP)
• GP Surgery
• Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU)
• GAU
• Outpatient Department
• Another Speciality in the hospital

What will happen when you arrive at the unit?

We aim to meet the government waiting times and see you within 4 hours of arrival to the GAU. However emergency patients are seen by the same staff on the ward so there may occasionally be a delay.

When you first arrive a nurse will:

• Confirm your name, address, contact details and date of birth
• Check your temperature, blood pressure and pulse
• Ask you to provide a urine sample
• Ask you questions about your condition
• You will be asked to avoid eating and drinking until a doctor has seen you

You will then be seen by a doctor who will:

• Ask you questions about your health and medical history
• Perform a physical examination which will be explained to you
• Carry out further investigations required, such as: blood tests swabs or an ultrasound scan

What happens after these investigations?

Your doctor will interpret the results and talk to you about a treatment plan. This may be:

• Decide you are medically fit and able to go home
• Arrange a follow-up appointment in GAU/EPU
• Ask you to contact the unit for test results
• Refer you to another speciality
• Refer you to your GP
• Explain the likelihood of having to stay in hospital and the reasons
• Refer you to another outpatient clinic within the Gynaecology speciality

These decisions will be taken with your consent.

Useful links

Patient UK.(2010) Information leaflets (www.patient.co.uk)

BSUH NHS Trust (2012) GP005 Emergency Gynaecology Admissions and Gynaecology Assessment Unit

All referrals are triaged and accepted by the Gynaecology Registrar or Consultant on call.