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 Women & Newborn Babies
See Also Gynaecology and EPAU WardsVisiting times (all maternity wards) Partners/siblings of the baby (only): 8am-6pm Marina WardMarina ward is the gynaecology and breast care ward for routine and emergency admissions. Women admitted for routine surgery are admitted on the day of their operation. The Ward Comprises of 15 beds, including 3 en-suite side rooms and the Early Pregnancy Unit is located within the ward. The ward is a training area for student nurses and midwives who are always supervised by a team of experienced nurses. We welcome feedback from patients and all patients receive a satisfaction questionnaire. Patient leaflets
EPAU (Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit)Our Early Pregnancy Unit is situated in the Maternity block on the 1st floor (Marina Ward). This is a clinic that provides care and support to women experiencing complications in early pregnancy (less than 18 weeks). Some of the complications we come across are miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, molar pregnancies, foetal abnormalities, vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain etc. We aim to provide the best care to our patients/couples going through such complications. We have exam & quiet rooms where couples can be seen by doctors or nurses in order to maintain privacy & dignity. As a teaching hospital sometimes medical or nursing students may be present in consultations or scanning. Sometimes there may be a wait for the Dr, if they are busy with other patients elsewhere, but we aim for you to be seen within a reasonable time. How do I get referred?We do not have a walk in service. Appointments are made via GPs, Midwives or Accident & Emergency. These referrals can be made over the phone or fax. The staff in EPAU will then ring you with an appointment. We aim to see patients on the same day or at least within 2 days of receiving the referral. If you have any complications with your pregnancy (i.e abdominal pain or bleeding) over the weekend, we advise that you go to A&E where the doctors will see you. The only patients that can self refer are those with a past history of molar pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy. If you need a scan because of a previous history of miscarriages (without any symptoms), your GP needs to refer you to the main scanning department (01895 279868) for a ‘reassurance scan’ not EPAU. What tests/investigations may be done?
Please note that if you are less than 8 weeks pregnant, you will have an internal scan. We cannot guarantee that there will always be a female sonographer. Over 8 weeks you can have a trans-abdominal scan but you need to have a full bladder.
When you come up to the unit you will see a Sister who will take your history, answer questions that you may have and even discuss your treatment options. This Sister will offer you support and comfort if the pregnancy is not going very well. You can also contact her for advice or if you have questions that she can answer. Because we’re on Marina ward, we work closely with the nursing team and at times they cover EPAU when the sisters are not in. We also have a clinical psychologist on site who offers counselling to couples if they want an appointment with her. Other patients/couples may wish to see a chaplain – this can be organised as well. We also have leaflets in other different languages and an interpreter can be organised if you let us know in advance. Feel free to also bring in a relative or friend who can interpret for you if you wish to do so. Treatments we Offer
Other Useful Linkswww.miscarriageassociation.org.uk - Information & support on pregnancy loss EPAU STAFFMiss A. Kothari - Lead Consultant & other doctors who work with her Opening Times & contact detailsMonday – Friday 8-4:30pm
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