NEW: We are delighted to now offer a therapy and counselling service. Our team of psychotherapists can help with specific problems triggered by life-stage, e.g perinatal, postnatal, midlife or can help with general anxiety, depression, dealing with trauma or relationship problems. We are offering 10% off your first appointment. Visit https://thesurreyparkclinic.co.uk/mental-health-services/ or call 01483 454016 to book
Awareness of the 5 gynaecological cancers is very low despite 21,000 women receiving a diagnosis each year. As with many cancers, early diagnosis is key so it is important women are aware of the signs and symptoms to look out for and to know what’s normal for them.
At The Surrey Park Clinic we offer Well Woman checks, Cervical Screening and Ovarian Cancer screening. You can find out more about these tests by following the links and you can book these on-line or by calling 01483 454 016. As September is Gynae Cancer Awareness Month, we are offering 10% off our Well Woman and Ovarian Cancer Screening checks for bookings made in September.
Otherwise known as the silent killer, ovarian cancer is sadly often diagnosed at a late stage which is why awareness of symptoms is critical to ensure this cancer is caught early.
Ovarian cancer affects around 7,500 women a year. It is the abnormal growth and division of cells in the ovary and the tumour can spread to other areas of the abdomen. Recent research has highlighted that ovarian cancer is likely to start in the fallopian tubes.
The main symptoms of ovarian cancer are fairly vague and non-specific but do watch out for:
If you have any of these symptoms, please do see your GP or book into to see our consultant gynaecologist. At The Surrey Park Clinic, we offer ovarian cancer screening. Our Consultant Gynaecologist will discuss your medical history, conduct a trans-vaginal scan to assess the ovaries and also do CA125, CEA, Ca19-9 blood tests.
More information on Ovarian Cancer:
Vulval Cancer fortunately is quite a rare cancer and tends to affect women over 65 years. In order to be vigilant, it is important to know what your vulva “normally” looks like. We advise using a mirror to get to know the appearance of your vulva and check this on a regular basis to see if there are any changes.
The exact cause of vulval cancer is unclear, but the following factors may increase your risk of developing the condition:
Our Consultant Gynaecologist, Mr Jay Chatterjee, gives an overview of Vulval Cancer:
This is the most common gynaecological cancer which affects a woman’s reproductive system. It tends to be more common amongst post-menopausal women.
It is not always clear why womb cancer occurs but there are factors which may increase your risk of developing it. If you have high levels of oestrogen in your body you may have a higher risk. Obesity can create higher levels of oestrogen and there may also be a slight higher risk from long term use of tamoxifen.
Our Consultant Gynaecologist, Mr Jay Chatterjee, shares an overview of womb cancer:
Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is highly preventable. This is because dangerous pre-cancerous cell changes can be picked up in a Cervical screening, and any abnormal cells can be removed before they develop into cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women under 35 years and causes approximately 1,000 deaths per year in the UK. Most cervical cancers are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
Symptoms include:
Ensuring you are up to date with your Cervical screening appointments are the best way to reduce your risk of Cervical cancer. Research suggests that Cervical screenings (smear test and HPV testing) save around 1,000 lives every year. At The Surrey Park Clinic we offer a cervical screening service – find out more here.
HPV vaccines are also now available. Human papillomavirus vaccines are vaccines that prevent infection by certain types of human papillomavirus. Available HPV vaccines protect against either two, four, or nine types of HPV. All HPV vaccines protect against at least HPV types 16 and 18, which cause the greatest risk of cervical cancer.
Mr Jay Chatterjee gives an overview of Cervical Cancer:
Vaginal cancer is a rare cancer affecting the vagina, the tube leading from the cervix (neck of the womb) to the vulva.
Vaginal cancer is very rare for women under 40 but if you are experiencing symptoms, please do seek medical advice as early diagnosis is key.
We are excited to be launching our new referral scheme so you can save money on treatment.
Many patients come to our clinic having been recommended by a friend, so we thought it was about time we thanked our wonderful patients for doing this. As a token of our appreciation, we will credit your Surrey Park Clinic account with £10 each time you refer a friend who books a service with us. You can use any credit towards the cost of future treatment with us, including private GP appointments, blood tests, scans, swabs, Covid Test for Travel and consultations. You will receive an email notifying you when a credit has been applied to your account.
We currently help patients facing fertility challenges, gynaecological conditions and the menopause. We also offer a range of pregnancy scans, a private GP service and a comprehensive range of blood tests and swabs. Credits will be available to use for up to 2 years and the scheme starts from the 1st August 2021.
If you have any questions regarding this scheme, please do contact us.
T&Cs:
1. You must be 18 years plus and already have an account with The Surrey Park Clinic to refer someone else
2. The £10 credit will be available on your account for 2 years and can be redeemed against any future appointments, consultations, blood tests, scans, swabs or procedures carried out at The Surrey Park Clinic
3. The credit is not redeemable for cash
4. If the person referred cancels their appointment and is refunded, The Surrey Park Clinic reserve the right to withdraw the credit
5. The Surrey Park Clinic reserves the right to terminate the referral programme at any time.
Recently there have been some shocking reports in the news about women experiencing severe pain during the fitting of intra-uterine devices. We wanted to reassure our patients you should never experience pain during these procedures. Our specialist Gynaecologists, Mr Jay Chatterjee and Miss Lilian Ugwumadu, are highly experienced in fitting these devices and have never had a patient complain of pain during this procedure. Mr Jay Chatterjee outlined our approach to fitting Coils/IUDs at The Surrey Park Clinic:
“Experiencing pain during coil insertion is not acceptable. At The Surrey Park Clinic, we insert a copper coil or progesterone intra-uterine device after the cervical canal has been thoroughly treated with anaesthesia, either by using an injectable local anaesthetic or a local anaesthetic spray or gel.
We insert IUDs/Coils under ultra-sound guidance and myself and the nurse, or health care assistant, check our patients feel comfortable throughout and are supported after the procedure.
Our minimal cervical stimulation and dilation techniques cause the least discomfort during any coil insertion.
If for some reason, due to severe cervical stenosis (Cervical stenosis is narrowing of the passageway through the cervix) and despite total local anaesthetic application of the cervix, the cervical canal cannot be dilated, the procedure is halted to avoid causing any pain or distress to the patient. We would then advise the patient has the coil fitted under general anaesthetic.” Mr Jay Chatterjee, Consultant Gynaecologist and Gynae Oncology surgeon.
If you would like to book an IUD/Coil fitting or removal with either Mr Jay Chatterjee or Miss Lilian Ugwumadu, then please call 01483 454 016.
Join us for a Fertility Q & A with our Fertility Specialist, Dr Julia Kopeika. This will take place on Instagram (follow @thesurreyparkclinic) on the 6th July 2021 at 6pm. Please do send in any questions you have regarding fertility treatment, testing and challenges via direct message and Dr Kopeika will try to get through as many as possible. You can always send through questions during the Instagram Live as well.
Please do let other interested parties know as well.
Join Clinic Director Katie Biddiss and Fertility Consultant Lilian Ugwumadu for an overview of fertility testing and treatment at The Surrey Park Clinic on the 7th June at 6.30 pm. You will have the opportunity for a 5 minute mini private consultation with Lilian to go over any specific questions you may have. Places are limited so click here to find out more and register.
Are one of your loved ones going through fertility treatment? Support throughout treatment is so important and you can make a huge difference to someone through the support you can provide. Below are some of our top tips to help someone who is going through the fertility journey.
It is important to take good care of your body, mind and soul. Self care is a fantastic way to take some time out for yourself and take a step towards feeling relaxed and healthy.
Below are some of our top tips to help improve your self care routine!
1. Take a bubble bath
A relaxing bath with your favourite candles and music is a great way to unwind and reflect on your day. Why not try using a new face mask to make it extra special!
2. Take a step back from social media
Do you ever find yourself scrolling through Instagram for hours? Sometimes it is easy to get lost in social media. However, having a break from the digital world can help you stay focused and in the present. Maybe try cutting back your screen time by 30 minutes a day and see how you get on!
3. Try a new hobby
Do you have a list of new recipes you want to try? A new sport you would like to pick up? Or is it time to dust off your camera? Starting a new hobby is an exciting way to spend time focusing in on a new skill. What new hobby would you like to try in February?
4. Yoga / Meditating
Are you wanting to start your day feeling calm and refreshed? Spending 5 minutes sitting in silence before starting your day is a great way to refocus. Why not take a look at some videos on YouTube to get started or downloading a popular app such as Calm or Headspace.
5. Take yourself out on a date
Is there a film at the cinema you want to see? Or a new restaurant you would like to try? Why not treat yourself to a day out! Spending quality time with your friends and family is important, but it is equally as important to spend some time on yourself. Why not schedule a day this month on yourself!
6. Make sure your up to date with your appointments
Cervical screening (smear), dental and optician appointments are some of the tests that need to be carried out to make sure you’re healthy. Is there an appointment that you need to make but haven’t scheduled the time to do this yet? This month why not make it your goal to get organised and book your appointments.
Self Care is ultimately all about you! What other self care ideas would you like to try this month?
Cervical screening also known as a smear test is the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer, however 1 in 3 women do not attend their cervical screening appointment.
Many women decide not to attend their appointment due to embarrassment and the thought of being uncomfortable, which we completely understand. Below are some of our top tips on how to make your appointment a little more comfortable.
Many women feel uncomfortable being exposed especially in front of the nurse or doctor who is taking the test. Wearing a loose fitted skirt or dress is a great way to feel less exposed and more comfortable.
Popping your headphones in and listening to your favourite music is a great way to distract yourself. We would also recommend listening to some relaxing meditation music too before your test to help you relax.
If you are feeling worried or anxious about the test let your doctor or nurse know. A problem shared is a problem halved, and by expressing how you are feeling this might help you before you start.
Having a plan for after your appointment is a great way to focus on something once it is completed. By planning a nice treat you can focus on that rather than the appointment itself. At The Surrey Park Clinic some of our patients have mentioned meeting up with friends for dinner or seeing a film at the cinema after their appointment. What would be your ideal treat.
At The Surrey Park Clinic your comfort and care is our top priority. We understand that having cervical screening can be stressful and that is why we ensure all of our patients are comfortable from the moment they walk into our clinic to the minute they leave.
We also have no restrictions on age. If you would like to have a cervical screening test before the age of 25 or after 64 we would be happy to see you.
At The Surrey Park Clinic all of our cervical screening appointments are 30 minutes. This is an extra 20 minutes in comparison to the NHS. We offer this so that you don’t feel rushed during your appointment, you can get comfortable and explain how you are feeling.
In aid of Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month 2019 we are offering 10% off Cervical Screening at The Surrey Park Clinic. If you have any questions or would like to book your appointment please call our friendly on 0800 049 6944 or alternatively you can book online.
A sonographer is someone who undertakes and reports diagnostic, screening or interventional ultrasound examinations.
The majority of sonographers start their career as Radiographers. Radiographers are Allied Health Professionals who have studied at university in Medical imaging. Ultrasound is one of many different types of imaging techniques. In fact approximately 90% of patients who visit a hospital will have to see a radiographer. This could be for an Xray, MRI, CT, ultrasound and nuclear medicine to name a few. Some sonographers may have also begun their career in women’s health such as midwifery.
Once they have spent 4 years at university they must practice as a professional for a few more years. This is to expand their skills and knowledge. This can be in a hospital or private clinic. To then specialise in Ultrasound Imaging and reporting they must return to university at a postgraduate level which usually another 2 years. Even after 5-7 years of study, the learning never really stops…. Once qualified, a Sonographer must keep up to date with current practices, guidelines, technology and scan techniques. Although we are never shocked by what we see, we do sometimes come across new and unusual cases!
We start early preparing the scan room with equipment and checking who’s booked in and for which type of scan.
Each time we meet a new patient we know that it could be a completely normal picture. We will scan through the organs documenting measurements and saving images to show what we have seen. Sadly we may see something unexpected which may change the dynamics of the scan. This can lead us into having a difficult and often upsetting discussion with the patient. Being able to pass on findings and support patients is a big part of our job.
Between each scan we construct a report documenting what the scan showed and pass this onto the referrer for them to fit the Ultrasound results into the overall clinical picture alongside other findings such as symptoms and blood test results. Sometimes we may have to make urgent calls to referrers to update them on findings and even make the occasional call for an ambulance if we find something life threatening.
With all the days scans performed and reports written up we give the room a thorough clean and tidy and check over the machine and its transducer’s (the part we hold) for any signs of damage or wear and tear. We sign out, remove our uniforms and shut down the scan machine ready for the next day’s sonographer.
If you have any questions about our scanning services or you would like to book an appointment at The Surrey Park Clinic please call us on 0800 049 6944 or alternatively you can book online.