Early pregnancy unit scans - how quickly

[pamplem0usse]

Maybe I'm being mumzilla, but having experienced bleeding over the weekend I went to my GPs at 9 O Clock yesterday morning. The Doc agreed to fax a referral to the local EPU for a scan.

As of 10 O clock this morning they still haven't done this. I'm still bleeding, and at nearly 12 weeks pregnant (though my 12 week scan isn't for another week) I could be bent over in pain miscarrying as far as they're concerned.
I doubt I'll get an appointment today, or even tomorrrow. Is it really acceptable to leave a potentially miscarrying woman four days before anything happens?
For any of you who've been seen at an EPU, how long did it take you to get a scan?

First time, next day

Second time (i had a private scan so scanning wasn't the issue) - three days due to bank holiday weekend. However, once they opened back up on the Tuesday they saw me within two hours of my phone call.
It is crap but unfortunately the EPAU is an office-hours type of department. In an emergency you can always attend a&e at any time.

Ring the EPAU yourself and see if they have received your referral yet. Explain that you went to see your gp and perhaps they'll see you anyway. I had a situation last year when the GP said he was faxing the hospital and this document was apparently never received.

You aren't being mumzilla, you are justifiably worried and anxious to get seen as soon as possible. If you don't have any luck by phoning the epau yourself then take yourself in person to the hospital - if you present at a&e then they will arrange for the epau to scan you.

I also got an early scan the next day both times I needed one. I agree with KatandKit - you are not overreacting at all. I phoned the EPU directly the second time I wanted a scan. Do try ringing them yourself as the lengthy admin processes that GP's have dont seem to be designed for this type of thing at all. Good Luck!

Urg,
Thanks ladies.
I've rung the EPU and they won't do anything without a referral. The Drs were supposed to be phoned to confirm when it had been done.... over an hour ago :( Think I'm going to fuss-kicking-up soon!

Every time I've needed the epu my gp or mw has phoned whilst I was still in the room and I've been seen the next working day, apart from this pregnancy when I was only 5 and a bit weeks when I spotted so I was seen once I reached 6 weeks. The waiting is hideous, if I was you I would phone the GP and ask what they're playing at. If you're nearly 12 weeks you could also go through your mw.

Good luck

How have you got on op?

Like others said I've always been able to just go through the epu.

But if you haven't heard anything yet if I was you I'd be phoning the drs every hour. Or just go to a and e. u will gave to be seen then

Apparently the secretary meant to do it yesterday afternoon but forgot... then three seperate people forgot to do it today. So I got a phone call from the lovely lady at the EPU who said she'd break protocol and book me a scan (the earliest was Thursday, I was risking getting nothing this week) and I can take along a copy of the referral. As of 1.30pm noone had sent the fax.
Anyway, sorted, sort of!
Thanks!

Good luck with the scan.

Complaint letter to GP surgery is in order though.

I had a massive bleed and was told to go to a&e. They can do the referral to epu for you. Even though I think its a ridiculous process and an unnecessary waste of nhs money and resources especially considering all the advice to not use a&e unless absolutely necessary.

But it was the only way I could get to the epu on a Saturday so I had to do it.

fwiw both times I've been referred this pregnancy I've waited up to a week :( good luck for Thursday x

I also had a really big bleed on the very day I should have been visiting MW for booking in appt. Phoned her in the morning and she told me not to come in and see her but to go straight to A&E. They were excellent - saw me immediately and transferred me to EPAU immediately for scan. So, if you are very concerned, perhaps turn up to A&E in working hours for EPAU (only open Mon-Fri 9-5pm at my local hosp). Good luck.

U could always walk into A&E then they would get to into the EPU straight away for a scan. I think it's disgusting that your bleeding and waiting I'd be sitting in the EPU until someone saw me. Don't be polite - push them until you get seen it's important.
Hope everything works out ok for you and your not miscarrying.
Xx

I would second going to a&e my dr said to do that if out of gp hours. If they don't scan u that night they should at least then give you an appt for the morning but they will be able to do blood tests etc. fingers crossed for you