Strengthening support in Gynaecology and Early Pregnancy Assessment | MY staff stories

The Gynaecology Assessment Unit (GAU) and Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) play a vital role in supporting women’s health across Wakefield. The service represents a unique model for the region, enabling women to self-refer and removing barriers to care so they can access timely advice and support when they need it most.

Before the service was introduced, teams experienced a high number of calls that were not appropriate for GAU/EPAU. To address this, an automated telephone system was implemented, allowing patients to select the most relevant option and be directed to the correct service for their needs. This has improved call navigation, reduced delays, and enabled clinical staff to focus on women requiring specialist input.

As part of the new process, women who contact the service are first assessed by telephone by a qualified member of the team. During the calls, a full gynaecological history is taken and, where appropriate, women are booked directly for an ultrasound scan.

This approach has reduced unnecessary attendances and avoided additional GP or community midwife appointments, ensuring women receive the right care at the right time and in the right place.

An additional benefit has been the strengthening of relationships and support pathways across partner organisations.

In June 2025, Shine Akhtar, Senior Sister and Gynaecology Nurse Practitioner, and Nicky Hewitt, Clinical Nurse Specialist, visited New Hall Women’s Prison to provide education and build closer links with staff. This collaborative approach has helped reduce unnecessary Emergency Department attendances among pregnant prisoners and improved support for women experiencing pregnancy-related concerns through closer working with the prison midwifery team.

Speaking on this new process Shine commented:

Enabling women to self-refer has transformed how quickly they can access the right support. We’re able to assess concerns earlier, guide women to the most appropriate care, and prevent unnecessary hospital visits. Working closely with partners, including the team at New Hall, means we’re reaching women who may otherwise struggle to access services and ensuring they feel supported and safe.

Since its introduction in 2025, the demand for the service has continued to grow. The team now receives one of the highest call volumes across the Trust. 

In 2026, to date, direct support being provided to 1,539 women. This includes a broad range of support, such as post-operative advice and follow-up for women after gynaecological procedures such as hysteroscopy and colposcopy. 

This safer, more responsive pathway is helping patients experience of care while positively impacting patient flow across the Trust.