Patient advice and guidance
Where to get advice and guidance
We are a small team delivering a large in-demand service. Please note:
- Any and all appointment and general enquires should be sent to chelwest.gynaecology.admin@nhs.net
- All clinical problems arising between appointments must be referred to your GP who may then seek advice via the electronic referral system (eRS)—no direct emails from patients or the GP will be responded to
- All episodes of unscheduled bleeding must be referred to your GP or attend A&E
Our usual treatment pathway covers one appointment and discharge to your GP with a detailed plan of care in your clinic letter. Any problems arising from your treatment should be discussed directly with your GP who can then request timely specialist advice and guidance through eRS. Where clinically indicated a patient initiated follow-up appointment may offered.
For all other enquires please see the ‘Your visit’ section or for current patients only, email the gynaecology admin team. You must include your NHS or hospital number in all correspondence.
FAQs
Repeat prescriptions—for hospital only prescribed medication
Follow the link in the side menu on the left.
HRT shortages or changing HRT
Latest news: British Menopause Society further update on HRT supply. Any type or brand of HRT can be prescribed by your GP or advice can be sought via ERS. Including practical prescribing advice in primary care, how to switch to an alternative HRT and prescribing equivalent doses.
ALERT Implant shortages
You may be aware that our hospital uses unlicensed implants imported from the United States. The safety of these implants is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
At present, the manufacturer has ceased production of these implants, resulting in a suspension of our service due to a lack of stock. We do not currently have information on how long this issue will persist or when the MHRA may approve further imports.
Please do not attend your next appointment in person. Until further notice, all appointments will take place by telephone at the same time and date as originally scheduled.
Accessing results and letters
Most results (excluding BMD) and all correspondence is available via the NHS app or our digital platforms. For copies of missing clinic summary letters, email the gynaecology admin team.
Unscheduled bleeding or postmenopausal bleeding
Contact your GP for advice and guidance. All episodes of postmenopausal bleeding should be referred urgently to the 2WW gynaecology rapid access clinic by your GP. For out of hours services, ring 111 or attend A&E.
Testosterone replacement
Testosterone is a licensed medication that may be prescribed for an unlicensed indication in women already on hormone replacement presenting with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) or distressing low libido. Although there is increasing awareness of testosterone in the media there is no evidence that it has any other health benefits.
We can offer prescribing advice and guidance for GPs through the electronic referral system (eRS/Rego) but do not prescribe from our service. Further information on testosterone is available via thebms.org.uk
Patient Advocacy and Liaison Service
Mental health or crisis support
As a specialist hormone service, we do not provide psychiatric support. If you are having suicidal thoughts or just finding it difficult to cope, please speak to a friend or family member, your GP, call NHS 111 or attend A&E.
- Call 116 123 to talk to the Samaritans, or email: jp@smaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours
- Text ’SHOUT’ to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis text Line, or text ‘YM’ if you are under 19
- Mental health resources: Urgent NHS mental health services, Self-referral talking therapies
- Domestic abuse and safeguarding: Safeguarding adults and children