Can anyone give me any info about the early scan centre at St Georges, Tooting please?

[RainyWednesday]

Hello ladies

I'm just looking for some quick info. I'm 6 weeks pregnant today and have had a bit of spotting, so went to see my GP on an emergency basis last week. She said that if I was worried, St Georges in Tooting have a walk-in early scan centre where I could go and have a scan.

Has anyone used the scan centre? Do I really just turn up and they'll scan me? I can't understand why it isn't rammed full of nervous mums-to-be if this is the case! Also if you have any idea how long waiting times are that would be useful.

I've searched on here and the internet and tried emailing the EPU but it just bounces back.

Many thanks

Rainy I had a m/c at 7 weeks a few years ago, went to my GP with bleeding and was referred to go straight to St Georges, with a letter from him. I wasn't aware it was a 'turn up without a GP letter' service, can't imagine so for the reasons you've mentioned.

TBH it was absolutely horrendous, full of people who were panicking because they were bleeding and also in the same place as the normal antenatal appts, so also full of perfectly happy pregnant women. Not a particularly pleasant atmosphere or location either.

Having said that, if it will put your mind at rest, have a scan. It may have improved since I was there. I would imagine you need to see your GP and get a referral letter before you go down there though, although that may have changed.

sorry that's not much help really is it?!

yes am a gp and work in the area. it is just a turn up service - you don't need a referral letter. i'm sure it is pretty harrowing (also have been though it myself and know how shit it is) BUT they will scan you just for maternal anxiety, you don't even need to be bleeding. its only in the mornings though so advise you turn up tomorrow at 9am with a book as there may be a wait.
have you tried calling georges switchboard and asking for EPU or even antenatal clinic so they can give you more info.
good luck though painless spotting should be fine.

When I used St George's EPU about 3 yrs ago, I had to be referred I think - but may just have rung them and got an appointment - we definitely didn't just turn up though.
We didn't have to wait long, but we did have an appointment. It's not a particularly nice place but the doctors and nurses were very nice to me and it did put my mind at rest as had had a previous miscarriage. I would try ringing them first though.

Thank you so much for all your help - that's really useful.

unless things have changed since i've been on mat leave (4 months) then you can just turn up. I used to tell my mums (sorry they are not my mums at all but you know what i mean!)to go all the time if they were worried, and some just went becasue they stopped feeling sick rather than bleeding.
will keep a watch on this thread so please do tell us if you're ok!

Hi Rainy Wednesday.

I was given exactly the same advice yesterday (6.5 weeks pg & I had a bit of spotting but its stopped now).

I called the hospital and they said you can turn up between 8.30 - 11. I've also been told it's possible to go privately at the Chelsea & Westminster, the Women's wellness Centre (opposite the C&W) or the foetel medicine centre on harley street, although I don't know how much this costs.

I hope things are ok, I'm finding this time so stressful.

Thanks - I really really appreciate it! It's an odd and scary time this, hey!

I think hubby and I are going to try to pop in one morning next week (I reckon the later we leave it, the more chance we have of hearing a heart beat) and will let you know how we get on x

just so you know, because I didn't realise, an EPU scan is internal

Rainy - thats what we've decided as well. A heartbeat would be so reassuring...
Good luck!

Hi, you really can just turn up, I went as I had a bleed at 7.5 weeks, got there for about 9am and was seen pretty quickly. They are brilliant, reassured me, showed me the hb, verified my dates and gave me a pic of the tiny bean, who is now almost 15 months! Go along and see them if it will put your mind at rest, and good luck with your pregnancy! (Oh yes and Twiglett is right, it was an internal scan that I had, although I think if you are further along they might do an external. In any case, I think the discomfort is minimal).

Hello ladies - just reporting back as promised!

We went in on Tuesday morning (6+6). We had to wait for around an hour but there was no problem seeing us. It was internal (as I expected) and we had a male sonographer (which I completely wasn't expecting!) but they were really great - it wasn't uncomfortable at all (though a bit cold!) and surprisingly unembarrassing (he hardly seemed to glance at my lady bits - I think he managed to insert the thingy better than I could have done myself!). And most important of all, we had a little flickery heartbeat and were told that it's all going as well as can be expected at this stage - hooray!

Obviously I'm now working myself into a frenzy for the next few weeks - can't wait for that 12 week point.

Anyway, just wanted to say thank you so much for all your help and advice - it was really really appreciated