Female Gynocologist

[BlueRose1]

Do I have the legal right to be seen by a female gynaecologist if I requested one? (I understand maybe not in an emergency situation, but I am querying about normal check ups etc). I am not comfortable with a male gynaecologist, and am being told by hospitals that it's their trust policy that I can request one, but they are not obliged to provide one - because it's gender discrimination, so they can really just book me in with a male gyno then if I say no, they will discharge me and then the GP has to refer me again (and this cycle can go on endlessly, until they decide to assign a female gynaecologist as per my request). Someone please help. Thanks

[vincettenoir]

I don't know the answer to this but in almost everything appointment with a male gynae I have had there has been a female nurse present to chaperone. If waiting for a female gynae is going to hold up your appointment then that might be a suitable alternative.

[BlueRose1]

Hi, I still wouldn't be comfortable only because another female is allowed to join in and watch.

But thank you for your feedback.

If anyone knows my legal rights around this, could you please let me know? Thanks

[Emma543]

Hi OP
apologies I’m not sure on the legal side of things however I’m a pelvic health physio who conducts vaginal assessments. Within my department there is myself and a male physio doing the same job - any referrals that state for a female clinician are put onto a female only waiting list until I have capacity to accept.. it’s very unlikely you would simply be discharged only other thing would be they could reject the referral if they only had male staff
hope that helps

[Houseplanter]

Ask your GP to request one when he makes the referral. It's highly unlikely they'll allocate a male one, especially if your GP is able to give more details.. with your permission of course

[Theredjellybean]

The hospital is correct..you can request but they cannot guarantee.
The NHS is a needs led service not a wants led service...
What normal check ups are you referring to ? As there are no normal routine check ups that require secondary care...

[Topseyt123]

I have had both male and female gynaecologists. There have always been other staff present at each visit if it involved an intimate examination such as a hysteroscopy although it was one to one if it was just a face to face discussion.

I understand why some people may wish to specify that they wish to see a female gynaecologist, but I guess in practice it comes down to resourcing. You do have the right to ask, I believe. In reality though, whether or not your exact request can be accommodated could be another question.

I think you can always ask for a chaperone even if one hasn't automatically been offered. I think they are under more of an obligation to provide that.

[Topseyt123]

@BlueRose1

Hi, I still wouldn't be comfortable only because another female is allowed to join in and watch.

But thank you for your feedback.

If anyone knows my legal rights around this, could you please let me know? Thanks

They are not there as an audience. That isn't their role.

They are there to interact with you and reassure you as much as possible. Your dignity will be respected.