Gynaecological Services

Over the last 20 years, the practice of gynaecology has changed significantly. Approximately 40% of patients attending the Birmingham Women's Hospital have problems such as cancer, infertility or high-risk pregnancy problems, all of which require specialist expertise. However, about two thirds of our workload is specialist services such as menstrual problems and urogynaecology eg incontinence & prolapse.

Hysteroscopy

This unit is devoted to menstrual disorders, and advances in the miniaturisation of instruments allow us to diagnose most conditions in one visit to the clinic. The 'One stop RAAD Clinic' has high quality equipment and training aids to help in the teaching of many complex procedures.

Menopause clinic

Specialist advice and counselling is provided for menopause, osteoporosis and patients with a family history of breast cancer. The Menopause team is also involved in research, development and training.

Urogynaecology & Continence Services

We have a multi-disciplinary approach to the holistic care of women with urinary incontinence. Major advances are being made in the diagnostic service available. There is an increasing demand for assessment and treatment of urogenital prolapse and its associated pelvic dysfunction. This is an area of expertise which has become specialised here.

Oncology

Birmingham has long enjoyed a reputation as a leading centre in the research and treatment of gynaecological cancers and pre-invasive diseases of the genital tract. Clinicians have been responsible for pioneering treatment methods as well as training many oncologists who now practise worldwide.

Colposcopy

This unit is renowned nationally and internationally as a provider of friendly yet professional services to women with abnormal cervical smear results. In addition to the provision of expert services to patients, the unit also conducts research into pre-invasive disease of the cervix and is a valuable training resource for junior medical staff and nurses.
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Physiotherapy

The Trust employs a dedicated team of highly qualified physiotherapists who specialise in women's health. We help women prepare, physically and mentally, for major surgery and provide aftercare for in- and out-patients to optimise their recovery. We also provide conservative treatment for incontinence.

Cytology

We have one of the longest established cervical cytology departments in the country, and its success after it was set up in 1955 helped to bring about the NHS cervical screening programme in 1988. Now all women in Britain between the ages of 20 and 64 are offered regular cervical smear tests. Deaths from cervical cancer in England fell from 2,004 in 1988 to 1,265 in 1994.

Radiology

This department provides imaging support to the Trust and a direct access pelvic ultrasound service for GPs. We have six ultrasound rooms, an x-ray room with digital equipment, counselling rooms and a seminar room. Practical and theoretical ultrasound training at all levels is provided for all health care professionals.

Assisted Conception Unit

The ACU was established to provide services to infertile couples and, as a result of the number of successful first-time treatments, was rated among the best in the country in terms of cost-effectiveness. Our IVF and donor insemination results are amongst the best nationally and our national and international links ensure we remain at the forefront of technological advancements.

This page was last modified on Fri Sep 03 2010