The Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU)
provides care and support to women and anyone experiencing complications
in early pregnancy, as well as their partners.
If you experience vaginal bleeding and/or abdominal pain you can be seen for assessment up to 19+6 weeks gestation. After
this if you have any concerns you will need to be assessed by your GP or midwife via community midwifery on 01709 423729 or labour ward triage on 01709
427700.
EPAU is open Monday to Friday 8am until 4pm. (Please note, we are closed bank
holidays).
You need to have an appointment to attend EPAU as
unfortunately we cannot accept walk-ins. We do have a telephone line you
can call to speak to one of our experienced nurses or midwives who will be able
to assess your symptoms and provide you with advice. If you need to attend the
unit, you will be offered an appointment for a face to face assessment.
We see and assess patients who have:
- Abdominal pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- History of previous ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy
or recurrent miscarriage
- Attended for a private ultrasound scan which
has identified abnormalities; such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
During your appointment staff will let you know
if you need an ultrasound scan; not all patients will need a scan.
The EPAU team consists of nurses, midwives, sonographers,
support staff and a lead gynaecology consultant for the unit. Most patients are
looked after by our nurses and midwives but we have medical support available
if needed.
EPAU provides the following services:
- Blood tests and monitoring
- Infection screening, i.e. vaginal swabs and
urine analysis
- Ultrasound scanning
- Treatment for a miscarriage or ectopic
pregnancy
- Follow up care and support
- Referral to counselling following pregnancy
loss
We have put guidelines and measures in place throughout the
pandemic to reduce the risk of transmission to protect patients and staff. We
ask that you wear a face mask when attending the unit. Contact the unit if you
are displaying any symptoms of Covid or have been in contact with anyone who
has tested positive.
If you need advice or support from the EPAU please contact
01709 427072 between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday. Outside of our opening hours you can contact the gynaecology inpatient ward on 01709 424349.
If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms you must attend UECC or call 999 immediately:
- heavy vaginal bleeding
- severe abdominal pain
- abdominal pain accompanied by shoulder tip pain
- dizziness / collapse
You may find the below videos helpful:
Welcome to the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit
Miscarriages
Early pregnancy
Ultrasound scan
Useful links:
www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk
www.ectopic.org.uk
www.tommys.org
www.rcog.org.uk
Patient information leaflets:
