COVID-19: Visiting the Early Pregnancy Unit
Please could all patients call EPU on 01932 722662 before you come to the unit and certainly before you enter the Abbey Wing building.
You may been advised to attend our Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU) by a healthcare professional because there is a possibility a problem may have arisen during the early stages (first 12 weeks) of your pregnancy.
This unit is situated on the ground floor of Abbey Wing and cares for women with early pregnancy problems. This service is provided Monday to Friday (see times below) and referrals are made from midwives, GPs, and other medical staff.
What is an Early Pregnancy Unit?
Sadly we do not offer a walk-in service, this is an emergency referral service providing care for women experiencing early pregnancy complications; primarily pain and / or vaginal bleeding up to your 12 week dating scan, on a same day or next working day referral basis.
We understand that this is a very stressful time for both couples and their families. Our aim is to support you through this early stage of pregnancy, to maintain your confidentiality and to investigate your symptoms and offer treatment when indicated.
As this is an emergency service for women, referred by a healthcare professional, the service works as an extension to the A&E services and there may be a lengthy wait.
This is NOT an appointment service and we prioritise patients depending on clinical need rather than on time of attendance.
We use a non-appointment based system as this allows us the flexibility to see and/or scan MOST women on the same day they present to our unit. In other early pregnancy units, the appointment system may be associated with a shorter hospital visit, however the disadvantage of this system is that there may be a delay of several days before an appointment is available.
Healthcare professionals can refer using their standard referral forms or the EPU standardised referral form. Referral forms (see under referral form) should be emailed to
For patients having follow up and given a time, this will also be approximate and you may be advised to call before you attend to check if there is likely to be a significant delay.
The average time spent in the EPU is 2-4 hours but this can be longer in busier periods.
Opening Hours
EPU is open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm with emergency scanning available Monday to Friday 9am - 1pm.
Depending on staffing, emergency scanning MAY be available in the afternoon.
