Patient information

Gynaecology

Find out what to expect when you come to hospital for your appointment at the minimal access surgery for gynaecology service.

Before your appointment

If you are a new patient, you can expect to receive your appointment within six to eight weeks of referral. You are welcome to bring a relative or close friend with you to your appointment. You are also welcome to ask for a chaperone and we will endeavour to provide one for you. We suggest you wear comfortable clothing that can easily be removed to your appointment, as you will likely have an examination. It would be helpful if you could bring the following to your appointment:

Your full address and telephone number(s)
Your appointment card and appointment letter
Your GP’s name and address
Money to pay for any prescriptions, or an exemption card
A list of questions you may want to ask the nurse or doctor
A list of medications you are taking
Any results of investigations or operations and letters about previous medical care

During your appointment

Please check in with the receptionist. Your appointment will likely take 15 to 30 minutes, but please allow up to two hours for your appointment, as appointment times can vary.

Please note that we are a teaching hospital, so medical students may be present for some appointments. If you do not wish to have them in the room please let the nurse or doctor know and the students will be asked to step outside.

At your first appointment you will see a gynaecologist who will take a detailed history of your symptoms and perform an examination if needed. If further investigations (e.g. blood tests, swabs or scans) are indicated these will be arranged. The doctor will then explain the underlying diagnosis and treatment options, if possible. If admission for a surgical procedure becomes necessary this is booked from the clinic.

After your appointment

Depending upon the outcome of your appointment, you may be discharged back to your GP or we may arrange for a follow-up appointment. We will send your GP a letter summarising the findings and treatment recommendations discussed at your appointment. You will receive a copy of this letter.