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 UCLH Hospital Trusts. It leads the pilot initiative for Women’s Health Hubs in North Central London, in partnership with CNWL Sexual Health Services.
Service Overview
The Gynaecology Collaborative provides 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 operates 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 a special interest in gynaecology or consultants from Whittington, North Middlesex, or UCLH Hospital Trusts.
The Clinical Leads are Dr. Karin Schachinger and Dr. Shona Biggart
Services Provided
· Menstrual Problems: Management of heavy, painful, or irregular menstrual bleeding; conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome.
· Menopause: Assessment and treatment.
· 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.
· Pessary Fitting and Removal
· Cervical Screening
· STI and HIV Screening and Treatment
Service Locations
Hornsey Central Neighbourhood Health Centre
o Address: 151 Park Road, London N8 8JD
o Directions: Link
o Parking: Free onsite
o Clinic: Second floor
Bingfield Medical Centre
o Address: 8 Bingfield Street, London N1 0AL
o Directions: Link
o Parking: No free parking, use public transport
Lordship Lane
o Address: 239 Lordship Lane, London N17 6AA
o Directions: Link
o Parking: Free onsite
Archway Sexual Health Clinic
o Address: 681-689 Holloway Road, Archway, London N19 5SE
o Directions: Link
o Parking: No free parking, use public transport
Contact Information
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
The Women’s Health Hub aims to provide appropriate, accessible, and high-quality patient care closer to home.
Key objectives include improving access to non-complex gynaecology services, reducing 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.
The Gynaecology Collaborative strives to provide comprehensive, efficient, and patient-centred gynaecological care to the women of Haringey and Islington.