Gynaecology emergency assessment unit (GEAU)
Our GAU is staffed by nurse specialists and doctors.
Out-of-hours this service is delivered by Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU) and there is no access to routine scanning facilities overnight.
7 days a week 7.30am – 8pm
We see women with complications in early pregnancy such as pain or bleeding as well as a range of presentations in women who are not pregnant.
If you have had your dating scan you should call maternity assessment unit (MAU).
You require a referral to our unit and this can be through:
- A&E
- Your GP
- Your community midwife
You will either be asked to come straight to the unit or will be given a time to attend for an ultrasound scan in our early pregnancy clinic.
If you are bleeding heavily from your vagina and it causing you to feel dizzy or pass out, ring an ambulance on 999 and you will be taken to an emergency department (A&E).
Some women can self refer for an early pregnancy scan if you have a history of:
- Recurrent miscarriages (2 or more)
- Previous ectopic pregnancies
- Previous molar pregnancies
Where are we
We are located on level 4 Leazes wing near Ward 40.
Between the hours of 7.30am and 3.30pm you will check in at the reception desk in the EPAC clinic and we will confirm some details with you
Out with these hours please check in at the desk on Ward 40. You will need to ring the bell at the door.
What to expect
If you have been given a time to attend for a scan we ask you come to the unit 10 minutes before your appointment time so we can check some details with you.
You will be asked to wait in our small waiting area in EPAC. A nurse specialist will perform a transvaginal scan for you so you will need an empty bladder.
Please note, we do not performs ultrasound scans in women who are less than 6 weeks unless we are concerned about ectopic pregnancy. This is because an ultrasound scan cannot accurately provide definite information at this stage in pregnancy.
If you have been asked to attend GAU you should come straight to the unit if advised or sometimes we give you a time frame to come to our sit and wait service.
This is usually between 1.30pm and 6.30pm. After being checked in you will have your observations taken and we will ask you for a urine sample for testing.
You will be asked to wait in our waiting room and then a nurse will take some details from you about your symptoms and general health.
We aim to see patients as soon as possible but our unit can be very busy so there are sometimes waiting times to be seen by either the nurse or doctor.
If we feel you require an early pregnancy scan you should have one that day or the next day. Sometimes it is a short wait or you will be given a time to return.
If you are not pregnant then we may perform some blood tests, perform and examination and take swabs. You may receive treatment and be discharged, be admitted to the ward for further investigations and/or treatment or we can arrange further outpatient investigations.
Early pregnancy
We offer different treatment options for women diagnosed with either a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
Students
As a teaching hospital we will often have students from various specialities come to the early pregnancy assessment clinic to gain experience during their studies.
The students can be at various stages of their training and may be male or female. They always appreciate your permission to watch or participate in any part of your baby’s care as this experience is vital to their training.
It is your decision as to whether you will allow any student to participate or watch any or all of your baby’s care or whether you would like to decline students altogether.
