EMPAS is committed
to providing you with the highest standard of patient care. We
have no waiting lists and an appointment can be made within 1-2
days for your initial consultation.
Consultation
The
consultation is completely confidential and you will be given
as much or as little time for discussion at your consultation
and assessment as you wish.
On
arrival you will be welcomed by one of our trained patient advisors,
we will do a pregnancy test in order to confirm that you are pregnant.
Once the test results are confirmed we will ask if you wish to
continue with the consultation. If so, a patient advisor will explain
the day's procedure and we will take some of your details for
the necessary paperwork. The patient advisor will also inform you about
Chlamydia and discuss whether you want to be screened at the time
of your procedure. If you do decide to be screened we will ask
you to sign a consent form at this stage. All our patient advisors are there to provide you with as much support as they possibly
can and to ensure you have received all relevant information concerning
treatment options.
All
our patient advisors are highly experienced in dealing with unplanned
pregnancy; they are friendly, sympathetic and non-judgmental.
This information will help you to make an informed decision. You
are free to change your mind or rebook at any time throughout.
Due to patient confidentiality we prefer to see any patients booked
for consultation alone.
Unless
absolutely necessary, please do not bring children along to the
clinic.
We
will support you throughout your treatment and you may speak with
us at any time during consultation sessions.
Medical
Assessment - First Doctor
It
is essential for your own safety that a doctor takes a full medical
history : you will be asked about your general health and previous
obstetric history. It is important that you tell the doctor if
you are currently taking any kind of medication. We will also
assess your suitability for the anaesthetic and subsequent treatment.
The
doctor will discuss the decision you have reached and record your
reasons for wanting to end your pregnancy. If satisfied that your
reasons comply with the Abortion Act the first part of the legal
document will be signed. The doctor will carry out a pelvic examination
to determine the gestation (weeks) of your pregnancy. If you are
attending this session at one of our treatment centres you may
have a scan at this stage rather than a urine test to confirm
pregnancy. Your blood pressure will be taken and also a blood
test for routine screening. The risks and complications of any
treatment to be provided will be explained
Discussion
and Referral
Following
consultation with our doctor, a patient advisor will establish whether
you wish to proceed with treatment. If appropriate, they will
discuss your choice of treatment and confirm your admission date
at one of our specialist clinics/treatment centres (this is usually
within a few days as there is no waiting list). You will be given
an information booklet and we will explain to you what to take
to the clinic. Future contraception will also be discussed at
this stage.
Second
Doctor's Agreement
If
you are proceeding to treatment you will see the second doctor
at the Calthorpe Clinic - Birmingham, who will also establish
your reasons for wanting to end your pregnancy, and if satisfied
that your reasons comply with the 1967 Abortion Act will provide
the second signature on a legal document which will then enable
termination to take place. The doctor will also ask you to read
and sign a consent form, which outlines the procedure and risks
involved in the operation.
Pelvic
Examination
The
doctors at our Pregnancy Advisory Centres usually perform a vaginal
(internal) examination at the time of consultation . It is normal
practice for the doctor to explain the procedure and ask for your
consent first. It is necessary for this examination to be carried
out as certain changes take place in the pelvic organs during
pregnancy. Before a pelvic examination you will be asked to empty
your bladder, a full bladder would cause you to feel uncomfortable
during the examination. By gently pressing on the abdomen the
pelvic organs, womb, ovaries and fallopian tubes can be felt,
and the doctor can then assess whether everything is normal, confirm
the pregnancy and assess the gestational age (how many weeks you
are pregnant). The examination shouldn't hurt, but if you are
tense the examination may feel uncomfortable.
Chlamydia
Screening
Chlamydia
screening is available during the medical/surgical procedure at
either Treatment centre. There is a small charge for this service
if you are a private patient.
If
your test proves positive both yourself and your partner will
require treatment as soon as possible in order to prevent any
complications.
Facilities
at EMPAS
We have two pleasantly
decorated waiting rooms where you have access to Television, Soft
music and Magazines. Beverages are also available during your
visit.
