Early Pregnancy and Acute Gynaecology Unit (EPAG)

Welcome to the Elizabeth Suite

In the Elizabeth Suite—our Early Pregnancy and Acute Gynaecology Unit (EPAG)—we see and look after women who are referred to us in the early stages of pregnancy and those with gynaecology emergencies.

For some women and their partners, a visit to an early pregnancy unit can be sad and distressing should they receive bad news—we ask that patients and relatives be mindful of this when in the unit.

Our team

The Elizabeth Suite is staffed by a team of specialist nurses, sonographers and doctors who are fully trained and experienced in early pregnancy care and gynaecology.

Several times a week we have consultant-led clinics. You may be referred to see one of our consultants depending on the nature of your condition.

Your appointment

At your appointment you will be seen by one of our specialist nurses or doctors.

You may wish to bring along your partner, a relative or friend to the appointment. We ask that only one adult attends the consultation with you.

You will usually have a scan, the findings of which will be explained, and you will be given an opportunity to ask questions.

Women requiring blood tests will be a given a request form to take to the Lower Ground Floor, Lift Bank C— follow the signs for ‘Blood Tests’.

Scans

Most scans in the unit are done via a ‘transvaginal’ approach. This means the tip of the ultrasound probe is passed into the vagina. It is not in any way damaging to a developing pregnancy and should not be painful, although some women experience slight discomfort.

This scan can be done even if you are experiencing bleeding.

• Women who are not pregnant or who are less than 12 weeks pregnant will be asked to pass urine before the scan, as your bladder must be empty.
• Women who are more than 12 weeks pregnant will usually be scanned on your tummy (transabdominal), which requires your bladder to be full.

Waiting times

We will usually see you at your booked appointment time but please note some consultations can take longer than expected due to the nature of the situation.

For example, if a woman or couple suffers a pregnancy loss or the situation is more complicated, we may need to spend more time to offer an explanation and support.

Please bear with us—you will receive the same level of care during your consultation.

Some women who are seen in an emergency and also patients who are already admitted to hospital may need to take priority.

Children in the unit

Within The Elizabeth Suite we try to maintain a calm atmosphere for patients. For this reason we ask that you try to arrange alternative childcare for any young children or babies when visiting the unit.

Referrals, appointments and contacting us

All women seen for the first time in the unit require a referral from their GP or healthcare professional. We are not able to accept self-referrals or walk-ins. If you have previously been treated in the unit and we have advised you to have an early pregnancy scan please contact us directly for advice.

After your appointment

You will be given our contact details so you are able to call for blood test results or if you have any questions or concerns.

Our clinics are busy so we kindly advise you to please use the telephone number that applies to your query.

Evening and Saturday clinics

We run emergency clinics on some evenings and Saturday mornings. We do not usually have booked appointment slots for these sessions as they are reserved for patients who need to be seen urgently. You will need a referral from your GP or health professional for these clinics.

Research and teaching

As part of your visit to the unit you may be asked to take part in a research study. This is entirely voluntary and will not affect the care you receive.

The aim of our research is to work towards improving care for women in the future.

We do understand that, for various reasons, not all women will wish to take part. You will be given an information leaflet and time to think about your answer.

As a teaching hospital we aim to train the next generation of clinical staff. We therefore often have students observing and clinical staff training to develop skills within the area of early pregnancy and gynaecology care.

Early Pregnancy and Acute Gynaecology Unit (EPAG)

For further support when you are at home, contact your GP or call the specialist nurse.

Contact information

T:  020 3315 5070 (clinical queries only 12-2pm Mon-Fri).

Useful information

Miscarriage Association
W: www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk
T: 01924 200799
E: info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk 

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
W: www.ectopic.org.uk
T: 020 7733 2653

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)