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Acute Gynaecology Unit (AGU) services at St Georges Hospital

Acute gynaecology unit is a gynaecological specialist led emergency unit where we provide care for women who are being treated for possible:

  • miscarriage
  • ectopic pregnancy
  • acute non- pregnancy complications such as pelvic pain or heavy vaginal bleeding.

The specialists are a team of experienced gynaecological doctors, nurses and health care assistants.

 

How do I get referred to AGU?

If you are experiencing worrying symptoms such as:

  • acute lower abdominal pain
  • heavy vaginal bleeding
  • less than 20 weeks pregnant and have symptoms of pain, bleeding or excessive vomiting

Please visit your nearest accident and emergency department or your local GP.

The staff in the accident and emergency department or your GP will directly contact the clinician in AGU if they feel that further specialist assessment is necessary.

 

Please note that AGU is not a walk in service.

 

What happens in AGU?

Once you arrive, you check in at the nurses’ station. You will be requested to complete a form with your personal and contact details.

Please expect up to three hours for your time in AGU.  As an emergency service patients are seen in order of clinical urgency and then in the order in which you arrive. The waiting time will therefore depend on how busy AGU is and the number of emergencies happening.

The doctor will call you in for your assessment. This assessment may include testing your urine and in some cases undergoing a pelvic ultrasound in order to examine your womb and ovaries. You may require extra procedures such as blood tests, speculum examinations, vaginal swabs or taking small samples of the lining of your womb. The assessment will depend upon your individual problem.

The doctor will then discuss the diagnosis with you and formulate a management plan. There is always a Consultant gynaecologist on call for advice and a senior opinion.

What does the transvaginal scan involve?

Most scans in this unit are performed in this manner as it allows better assessment and visualisation of your pelvic structures (womb and ovaries).  After emptying your bladder, the tip of a slim ultrasound probe will be inserted into your vagina. It will only take a few minutes and shouldn’t be painful.

 

 Useful websites:

Information and tips on managing nausea and vomiting including hyperemesis in early pregnancy:

Pregnancy Sickness Support

Information on ovarian cysts and cyst accidents in women before menopause:

RCOG Patient Information Leaflet

NHS information on Ovarian Cysts

 

Information on causes of and management of pelvic pain of sudden and chronic causes:

NHS Information on Pelvic Pain 

 

Information on heavy periods:

 NHS Information on Heavy Periods 

 

Opening times:

9am to 8pm everyday (including weekends and bank holidays)

 

How to contact us:

For general enquiries, please telephone 0208 725 1762.

 

Location:

AGU is based in the Gynaecology Clinic A on the Ground Floor of Lanesborough Wing, St George’s Hospital.