New Service Reduces Multiple Hospital Visits

The Rotunda Hospital has opened a new 'one stop' out-patient gynaecology service at Connolly Hospital in Dublin, said to be the first of its kind in Ireland.
It will allow patients to be seen almost immediately, and be assessed and treated in one visit, without anaesthetic for common gynaecological problems.

The clinic hopes to cut Rotunda waiting lists by up to 500 this year.
As a result of new minimally invasive equipment, procedures can now be performed without anaesthetic as a day case.
The service will treat patients with benign problems, such as the removal of polyps and fibroids, abnormal bleeding and coil problems.
These services have traditionally required patients to go into hospital, with procedures conducted under anaesthesia.

Professor Fergal Malone, Master at the Rotunda, said that previously patients may have needed multiple visits to hospital.
He expects the service to cater for around a quarter of all gynaecological referrals to the Rotunda.

The new Out-Patient Hysteroscopy Clinic at Connolly, is being operated by Rotunda consultants and staff. Appointments will be made on a referral basis, through the Rotunda.
Doctors are planning that in time, the service will be extended to accept selected patients from other hospitals within the RCSI Hospitals Group, including Beaumont, Cavan, Monaghan and Our Lady of Lourdes in Droghedam County Louth.