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Highgate Hospital is proud to offer patients a dedicated gynaecology and obstetric service as part of its range of women's health services.  The North London Women's Health Centre, based at the Hospital provides access to a multi-disciplinary team of experts including a Consultant Gynaecologist and Obsetrician, a senior Ultrasonographer and an experienced counsellor.  Patients can benefit from a comprehensive range of diagnostic imaging, education and counselling, therapeutic and surgical services.

One-stop gynaecology clinics
We aim, wherever possible, to offer patients the convenience of a one-stop clinic to investigate and diagnose a variety of gynaecological conditions.  These clinics may include short notice consultations, education and advice as well as endometrial biopsy and provision for hysteroscopy where appropriate.

Wellwoman screening and pelvic ultrasound scans are also available as are gynaecological check-ups which are conducted upon request.  These may include an annual smear test to detect the onset of cervical cancer (using a Thinprep liquid based test which can be conducted alongside tests for Human Papillomavirus and chlamydia).

Breast examination and referral for mammography are also available upon request.  Your Consultant will adopt an automatic recall system to remind you when your next annual check-up is due.

Gynaecological care not only includes the diagnosis and treatment of problems and diseases of the female organs, but also focuses on education and preventative measures for women of all ages.

What gynaecology services do we offer?

• Annual gynaecological examinations, including breast cancer and thin prep smear screening with a detailed written report.
• Contraception evaluation and management, including the newest methods.
• Screening for sexually transmitted diseases.
• Treatment of menorrhagia (heavy periods).
• Management and treatment of pelvic pain and endometriosis.
• Rapid diagnosis of gynaecological problems (vaginal discharge, abnormal vaginal bleeding and genital infection).
• Early pregnancy problems (bleeding in early pregnancy).
• Rapid access screening for gynaecological malignancy.
• Screening and treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome.
• Advice and treatment for hormone management including the menopause, pre-menstrual stress, osteoporosis and other hormone disorders.
• Treatment of urinary incontinence and bladder control problems.
• Urodynamic evaluations.
• Access to MRI and CT imaging.
• Minimally invasive surgery: Highgate Hospital utilises state of the art endoscopic surgical equipment including NovasureR, a 90-second minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy.

Ultrasound services
Diagnostic imaging, in particular ultrasound, plays a pivotal role in the management and diagnosis of a wide variety of gynaecological conditions as part of our multi-disciplinary approach to patient care.  A senior ultrasonographer, with specialist experience in gynaecological pathology is based at the Hospital and works closely with our Consultants.

Antenatal care and ultrasound services for fetal wellbeing
Highgate's antenatal service offers a high level of personal support throughout pregnancy as well as providing 24 hour on-call Consultant cover.
(please note the Hospital is not equipped for childbirth/deliveries).

Your first consultation will include an ultrasound scan and a detailed assessment by our Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician and you will have an opportunity to discuss, agree and establish a pregnancy care plan.  Our ultrasound service offers a nuchal fold scan at 12 weeks, an anomaly scan at 20 weeks and a growth scan at 34 weeks. Advice is also offered on nutrition and diet during pregnancy.

In general antenatal clinics will also comprise:

• A detailed antenatal assessment by a Consultant Obstetrican and Gynaecologist.
• Private Consultant-based antenatal care and support for mothers during pregnancy in convenient and friendly surroundings.
• Dating and fetal wellbeing assessments.
• Management of early pregnancy problems.
• Parentcraft classes including hypnobirth, bonding and lactation support.
• Nuchal fold translucency screening for chromosomal disorders such as Down's Syndrome.

(Nuchal fold screening is undertaken by our specialist Ultrasonographer, registered with the Fetal Medicine Foundation and is conducted in conjunction with a special blood test, the combination of which increases the accuracy of the results.  The tests will assess the risk of a chromosomal abnormality, such as those which cause Down's syndrome in the unborn child.  The scan and blood test are carried out between weeks 11 and 13 of pregnancy).

Access to other areas of medicine
If necessary, we can arrange for other comprehensive modes of imaging such as MRI and CT at a time convenient to you.  Cross referrals may be made to a number of other specialists as necessary, including pyschologists, counsellors, women's health physiotherapists and other doctors and surgeons.

How do I book an appointment?
Appointments can be made by calling the Outpatients department on 020 8341 4182.