Gynaecology

At your appointment, you will be seen by the consultant in charge of your care; this will be either Mr Mark Whittaker or Mr Philip Kaloo. After your first appointment you may be asked to make another appointment for a procedure or be referred for further tests. We run outpatient services for general gynaecology conditions, endometriosis and uro-gynaecology. We carry out minor procedures in clinic, for example, insertion of intrauterine device (IUD). Small procedures are carried out often under local anaesthetic. We also carry out hysteroscopies in the outpatient department. If you require a hysteroscopy a dedicated appointment will made for you either in the Outpatient Department or the Day Surgery Unit, during this procedure the inside of the uterus (womb) is examined using a thin narrow type tube called a hysteroscope.

Gynaecology appointments

You are likely to have been referred by your GP. You will be offered an appointment within two weeks of the referral being received. You will be seen by the Consultant. A detailed history of your condition will be taken, so please bring any medication you are currently taking. If you require an interpreter please inform us prior to your appointment.

Preparing for your appointment

Please remember to bring any current medication you are taking to your appointment. Please also remember to check your appointment letter for anything specific you have been asked to take with you. In addition, it would be helpful if you could provide: •Your full address and telephone number(s) •Your appointment letter •Your GP’s name and address •Money to pay for any prescriptions, or an exemption card (We do not have a pharmacy on site) •A list of questions you may want to ask your consultant

Cancelling or rearranging your appointment

If you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment please let us know as soon as possible. You can speak to us by calling 01666 501778 between 9.30 am and 1pm Monday to Friday, outside of these hours a voice message can be left and we will get back to you, alternatively you may email the Tetbury Booking Office

If you need an operation

Your consultant should have talked to you about the alternatives to surgery and why they believe this is the best option for you.

Your operation date

You will be placed on the waiting list. The Day surgery Unit Coordinator will contact you once all your investigations have been collated and a provisional date has been arranged. There should be at least a week's notice prior to admission. If there is a date or period of time that is inconvenient for you, please let us know.

What to do if your symptoms change

If your condition worsens, please see your GP or dial 111.

Pre-admission clinic

There are two types of pre-admission clinics. These are called first stage and second stage. These clinics aim to prepare you for your operation - both emotionally and physically. A first stage pre-operative assessment routinely happens on the day of your outpatient appointment, if you require a second stage pre-operative assessment an separate appointment will be made prior to your operation. All patients have a first stage pre-operative assessment, you will be given a questionnaire to complete and you may have some swabs taken. Some patients require a second stage pre-operative assessment, this appointment will either be at Tetbury Hospital, The Winfield Hospital or The Nuffield Hospital dependant on where you will be having your surgery, you will meet members of the Day Surgery Team and have some important tests. Members of the team will also talk to you about things to plan beforehand, such as how much time off work you will need, your recovery and how to get home after your surgery.

Your surgery

We will explain to you what will happen during your operation and recovery. The surgeon will also talk through the possible complications with you again. It is important you understand the treatment you are agreeing to, so please ask questions if you are unsure.