Dear patient,

I am writing to you to outline changes to the current system in place at the Womens Health Clinic.

We have experienced staff shortages and have been unable to recruit staff since 2019. The Covid 19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation.

From the 1^st July 2021 the Womens Health Clinic will be exclusively dealing with womens health only; there will be no general medicine/GP services available. For those patients who do not have a GP there will be a 6 month transition period until January 1^st 2022 during which we are happy to facilitate those patients while they find a suitable alternative.

Our services will continue to be extensive, encompassing

• contraception
• menopausal medicine
• diagnosis and management of PCOS and Premenstrual symptoms
• adolescent gynaecology
• management of heavy or painful periods
• smears and cervical cancer vaccinations
• breast problems
• infertility
• periconceptual management
• osteoporosis
• STI
• urinary incontinence
• vaginismus and vulvodynia.

This new approach allows us to focus on womens health issues and provide better service to our existing patients. This will translate into shorter waiting times for existing patients. In time this will also allow for new patients to once again avail of our womens health services. We will continue to offer telephone consultations for patients when appropriate.

Dr Rachel Mackey