The Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) at Leighton Hospital offers information, support, assessment and follow up care to women up to 16 weeks with a positive pregnancy test who are experiencing:
- Abdominal pain.
- Vaginal bleeding.
- Previous ectopic pregnancy.
- Previous tubal surgery.
- One or more previous miscarriage.
- Pregnancy with intrauterine contraceptive device (coil) still in-situ.
The EPAU also supports women with a non-viable pregnancy diagnosed at their dating scan and accepts referrals from private scan providers.
Referral from private scan providers
Private scan providers can refer patients to EPAU for further support, assessment and treatment for women who have been diagnosed with a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy on a private scan.
The practitioner completing the assessment should make the referral by leaving a telephone message on the EPAU answerphone service. Scan providers in the local area have the contact details, alternatively the service can be accessed through the main hospital switchboard.
The following referral details are required:
- Patient name, date of birth and contact number
- Reason for referral and scan findings
- Symptoms exhibited
- Any other clinical information already obtained during assessment
A copy of the scan report must be given to the woman to bring to her EPAU appointment.
An EPAU nurse will then contact the patient directly, during opening hours, to arrange follow up.
EPAU is an ambulatory care unit in an outpatient setting and operates during the hours outlined below. If a woman is unwell because of her early pregnancy diagnosis, she should be referred to an Emergency Department.
Location
The EPAU is located on the Gynaecology Outpatient Department on Ward 25 of Leighton Hospital, on the second floor of the pink corridor.
Opening Times
The EPAU is open Mondays to Fridays, 08:00 to 16:00 with ultrasound scanning facilities from 09:00 to 12:00, excluding bank holidays.
