Can I self-refer to the local EPU?

[ReshapeWhileDamp]

Or do I need my GP to do that?

Sorry, I know I'm posting about this a lot, but I'm 6 wks pregnant and cramping with red blood. I've had 2 MCs before (since then, I've had DS with no problems ) and this feels very like the first one, also at 6 weeks. Still, I would like to know what's going on, and see if there's a chance that things are still ok.

I can't remember if I'm 'allowed' to just turn up and ask to be seen/scanned at the EPU. Would I just end up shunted to the back of the queue behind all the appointments? (I hate the place, would not want to spend longer hanging about than I have to.) Or should I see a GP tomorrow and pressure them to arrange a scan at EPU asap?

Thanks for any advice.

I would suggest to just get yourself to A+E if your not sure. if you are pregnant and have cramping and bleeding, you need to be seen by a doc asap

good luck, i really hope this turns out ok

I had bad cramps early on and i just phoned them and they took me in the same day. All your GP will do is give you their number anyway.

hope everything's alright

It depends on the hospital; some EPUs accept walk ins, others don't. There is a list somewhere which sets it out. Will see if I can find it.

This has some useful info about which ones need appts etc.

I went to my gp who referred me and I got an appt for next morning. He said I couldn't have self referred. Think everywhere is different.

As others have said, depends on the hospital I think - I self refered repeatedly (much less hassle than having to haul to the GP & then wait until next day.

One option would be to ring NHS Direct - they refered me in early pg, and I guess they would know the best route locally.

Hope all is well for you.

I had a big red bleed at 6 weeks and didn't know what to do.

I rang my GP who said go straight to A & E.

Chances are even if you ring the emergency dr or NHS Direct now they'll tell you the same.

Good luck

I think my local EPU only take referrals through either GP or A&E.

Agree with deepdarkwood that NHS Direct would be good to try- they can tell you which services you can access locally.

Hope all is ok.

BIOYB - thanks, that's a really useful site and I've bookmarked it. Will ring the JR tomorrow and see if I can just turn up. I can just forsee a lot of delay if I go via GP - assuming someone can see me in the morning tomorrow, the local EPU closes at 2pm, and I really doubt I'd get seen by then.

Thanks, all!

Hope all turns out well for you reshape - I remember this experience well and it was such a worrying time.

It took me ages to find the number fir mine if you have that give them a phone and they will tell you when to come in, I ended up having to call labour ward as no one answered the main number but it was a sunday, good luck x

Arghhh! I rang up the EPU at the John radcliffe and I was told that they had a backlog of scans because of the bank holiday and that also, I couldn't self-refer. She said I have to see my GP first for assessment. I said that the GP couldn't really assess the situation without a scan! Anyway, she said catagorically, there are no free scan slots until tuesday now. This EPU is in a centre of excellence for pregnancy treatment, but only open in the mornings. The EPU woman did say that if it was thought I had an ectopic (I really, really don't think this is what's happening) then I'd be admitted for obs, but there are no scans until tuesday. Crap.

So I'm seeing my GP and I guess I will just have to sit tight until tues. I told the EPU woman that if I got a lot more pain and blood, I'd be sitting in either EPU or A&E until someone saw me...

The good news (perhaps) is that the red blood seemed to be a blip and I have some very dark brown discharge again, and not much of that. Cramps have stopped for the moment and I had a good night. Thanks for the info on this thread - it's amazing how much you forget over 3 years!

So sorry for you; this is a really worrying time. I guess the only other (expensive) option is to see if there is a private clinic locally who could scan you. Tough call to make though because it isn't cheap and you can't do anything anyway to affect the outcome. I really feel for you but try not to worry. My big 6 week bleed is currently storming around the house pretending to be bob the builder.

I went to A&E one evening as it was a Sunday and I was in pain. I was checked out by a lovely Doc, and was booked in with the EPU for 8.30 next morning. If they are open when you get to A&E I think they refer you straight away. Go and see someone.

Forgot to say otherwise here it has to be done by GP referral, they don't accept walk ins (Preston), I believe it is different at different hospitals though.

Just read the whole post sorry I am out of date. Mine was for possible ectopic. It's horrible to be kept in limbo. Hope your GP can give you some answers.

I hope you are ok

If you can afford it, this place is not too far from the JR so I guess you would be able to get there. www.beardmillclinic.com/index.htm

I went for a private viability scan there at 8 weeks and they were very kind.

I hope all works out ok for you

Hi - thanks for all the advice and support here. Yes Clueless, I am ok, thanks. And thank you Bogey, for reminding me that 6 week bleeds can turn into healthy babies!

I have a scan on tuesday, first thing. It's going to be a long weekend, but if I start bleeding badly, or I'm in a lot of pain, I'll go straight to A&E, although the EPU isn't open again until Monday, so I'm not sure what would happen in that case.

I have had a private viability scan at 10 wks with DS, so I know of a local clinic too.