What is the Gynaecology Collaborative?
The Gynaecology Collaborative is an integrated community gynaecology service dedicated to women registered with a GP in Haringey or Islington. This innovative service is a collaboration between the Islington GP Federation and Whittington, North Middlesex, and UCL Hospital Trusts. It provides the southern Women’s Health Hub in North Central London, in partnership with CNWL Sexual and Reproductive Health Services.
Service Overview
The Gynaecology Collaborative offers a single point of access for gynaecology services across Haringey and Islington. Its primary goal is to ensure patients receive timely care from the right specialist in the most appropriate setting. Patients may be directed to community gynaecology clinics, other community services such as Family Planning, Sexual Health, Bladder and Bowel services, or hospital clinics within the partner hospitals.
This service aims to operate as a comprehensive hub for all gynaecology referrals, with established pathways for necessary procedures and ultrasounds. Patients suitable for community clinic care are seen by either GPs with an extended role in Gynaecology (GPWERs) or consultants from CNWL, Whittington, North Middlesex, or UCL Hospital Trusts.
Services Provided
Menstrual Problems: Management of heavy, painful, or irregular menstrual bleeding
Fibroids
Pelvic pain and suspected endometriosis
Vulva and perineal problems including diagnostic vulva biopsies
PCOS: assessment and treatment options
Menopause: Assessment and treatment of complex menopause
Contraceptive Counselling: Including long-acting contraceptives for contraception and gynaecological purposes (e.g., heavy bleeding, menopause) and emergency hormonal contraception.
Incontinence and Prolapse: Assessment and management of moderate to severe pelvic floor prolapse and urinary incontinence
Pessary Fitting and Removal
Opportunistic cervical Screening
Minor gynaecological procedures
Assessment and direct referral for hysteroscopy
Service Locations
Hornsey Central Neighbourhood Health Centre
o Address: 151 Park Road, London N8 8JD (Clinic located on the second floor via lift)
o Directions: Link
o Parking: Car details must be registered at site, 2 hours free parking
Killick Street Health Centre
o Address: 75 Killick Street, London N1 9RH (Clinic located inside GP surgery)
o Directions: Link
o Parking: No free parking, use public transport
Lordship Lane Primary Care Centre
o Address: 239 Lordship Lane, London N17 6AA (Clinic located on the left-hand side of the front entrance)
o Directions: Link
o Parking: Car details must be registered at site, 2 hours free parking
Service Contact Details
Phone: 0203 915 8800 (Monday to Friday, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm)
Routine Enquiries: igpf.gynaecollab@nhs.net
Feedback or Complaints: igpf.feedback@nhs.net
Purpose and Benefits
Key objectives include improving access to non-complex gynaecology services, reducing health care inequalities, and supporting local hospitals by alleviating waiting lists. The service aims to ensure patients are seen promptly, usually within six weeks of referral.
It also offers training, upskilling, and shadowing opportunities for local GPs and healthcare professionals.
Referral Process
GP referrals are clinically triaged within five working days, with urgent cases addressed within 48 hours. Suitable patients are offered an appointment within six weeks. Some cases may require initial tests such as ultrasounds, blood tests, or swabs before seeing a clinician. While most appointments are face-to-face due to the need for examinations, some may be offered a telephone consultation.