Improved facilities in Gynaecology focus on clarity and sensitivity for patients

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals has recently improved facilities within the Women and Children’s waiting areas and across Gynaecology services to better support patients.

The work follows the return of a Gynaecology Matron to the Trust and follows a range of important patient feedback.

Rachel Cronshaw, Gynaecology Matron first qualified in 2004 where she began her nursing career. Last year Rachel accepted the position as a Matron for the area and explained: “I have always had a passion for women’s health and advocated for women, during early pregnancy loss or for those experiencing early pregnancy complications. When the role became available it just felt right."

Since taking up post, Rachel has led several improvements designed to create a more sensitive and supportive environment for patients. One of the most significant changes has been the creation of a separate seating area for Gynaecology Day patients, away from the main maternity waiting area. This provides greater privacy for those who may be on an infertility pathway or who may feel uncomfortable waiting alongside expectant mothers.

Within the day suite, there is a main waiting area where patients can see the names of the staff and clinicians on duty and the latest wait times within the clinic for that day. Rachel added: “We have found from talking to our patients that seeing this information at a glance helps to put them at ease.

“The provision of these areas means that the unit better meets the different needs of patients, whilst making the most of the available space.”

As part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to improvement, separate QR codes for maternity services and women’s health services are now clearly displayed in patient areas to encourage further feedback and support continuous service enhancement. Patients can access online information on Gynaecology here.