One-stop menstrual disorders clinic

Having become an integrated care organisation, Whittington Health has as a mission statement, committed to delivering ‘outstanding care and patient experience’. In keeping with this, Whittington Health has set up a ‘one-stop menstrual disorders clinic’, based at Hornsey Central Health Centre, 151 Park Road, Crouch End. This clinic allows women who have irregular menstrual bleeding to receive a rapid diagnosis, as well as treatment, without having the added stress of attending hospital, where they may wait for their results and subsequent treatment.

Mr Robert Sherwin, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, explained that the service grew from researching the most common needs of women who see their GP. Mr Sherwin explained, “We carried out a survey among local GPs to find the most frequent presenting symptoms. Menstrual irregularities and urinary disorders were the most common reasons, so we set about looking at ways in which we could make diagnosis and treatment for these conditions more convenient, accessible, and comfortable for patients.”

This research was developed into the ‘one-stop menstrual disorders’ service at Hornsey Central, which is held every Tuesday between 9-1pm, and is run by Dr Sherwin, with the help of Sister Tara Egan, and clinic care co-ordinator Joanne Braxton. General Practitioners can use choose and book to directly book into these clinics. Within this four hour time slot, up to ten women referred to the clinic will receive an ultrasound scan and if indicated by the scan, they will have a telescopic examination of the womb to diagnose their condition. When the patient leaves the clinic, they will have their results, treatment and where possible will be discharged back to the care of their GP.

Tara believes that the service is a much better way of treating women as it helps bring the process closer to home and in a less clinical environment; “This service is great for our patients as it means they do not have to be referred to the hospital, but can be seen in the health centre which is a more relaxing environment. Also, the fact that they get examined and receive answers so quickly is fantastic.”

The service has certainly been a hit with the patients, with one woman commenting “The consultant and nurses were very helpful and made me feel relaxed during the procedure”, while another added “The centre is a very calm place and the staff are friendly.”

In addition to the ‘one-stop menstrual disorders clinic’ there is a weekly Urogynaecology clinic (Tuesday 1.30-5pm) in which women with urinary problems are seen. In this clinic, a Consultant, Specialist Nurse and Physiotherapist all see patients to treat symptoms such as urinary incontinence.

If you would like any further information about these services, please contact the women’s health team by calling 020 7288 5161.