Private gynaecology in London: women's health services by hospital

Spire London East in Redbridge has the most procedure-level detail among the hospitals we checked. Its women's health and gynaecology list includes cervical screening, colposcopy, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, endometrial ablation, hysterectomy, ovarian cyst removal, stress urinary incontinence treatment and vaginal repair. Those span three kinds of work: diagnostic tests such as hysteroscopy, a telescope examination of the womb; minimally invasive surgery through keyhole incisions; and operations for pelvic floor problems, which is how stress incontinence and prolapse are usually addressed.

Nuffield Health Highgate's women's health listing is more operative. It names hysterectomy, myomectomy, endometrial ablation and adnexal surgery, meaning operations on the ovaries and tubes. Myomectomy removes fibroids while leaving the womb in place, which matters for anyone who wants to keep fertility options open, and endometrial ablation treats heavy periods by destroying the womb lining. Highgate lists women's health among more than thirty areas, so it is a general hospital with a gynaecology service rather than a specialist women's hospital.

In central London, HCA's pages describe gynaecology as part of a mix. The Princess Grace lists gynaecology, breast care, orthopaedics, digestive health, urology and sports medicine, and describes 127 en-suite bedrooms and eight theatres. The Lister lists gynaecology, fertility through the Lister Fertility Clinic, urology and cancer care. The Harley Street Clinic lists women's health and gynaecology among its departments. Guy's and St Thomas' names fertility care, maternity at the Westminster Maternity Suite and children's services among its private strengths. These pages describe breadth rather than clinic-level detail, so the specific procedure you need should be confirmed.

Spire London East is on Roding Lane South (IG4 5PZ). Redbridge Underground station is within walking distance, the 366 bus from the station stops opposite, and its 152 parking spaces are free. The hospital reports MRI, CT, ultrasound and mammography on site, which is useful because an examination often leads to an ultrasound or scan the same day. Its page says it is about 20 minutes from central London by tube.

The Princess Grace is at 42-52 Nottingham Place, Marylebone (W1U 5NY), close to Baker Street station and London Marylebone, with buses 13, 18, 27, 113 and 205 listed and metered street parking or independent car parks for drivers. The page mentions same-day or next-day consultant appointments as often available, an urgent care centre for walk-ins and a 24-hour acute admissions service.

The Lister is on Chelsea Bridge Road (SW1W 8RH), reached from Sloane Square, Victoria or Pimlico stations or buses 44, 137, 211, 360 and 452. The nearest car park it names is at Battersea Park, a five-minute walk across Chelsea Bridge. Imaging includes full-body MRI, CT, ultrasound and bone density scans. The Harley Street Clinic is at 35 Weymouth Street (W1G 8BJ), near Regent's Park and Great Portland Street stations, with on-street metered parking.

Nuffield Health Highgate is at 17-19 View Road (N6 4DJ). It describes limited free parking on site, free parking on surrounding roads outside weekday restrictions between 10am and 12pm, and a location outside the congestion charging zone but inside the Ultra Low Emission Zone.

Heavy or painful periods are probably the most frequent reason for a first appointment. A gynaecologist will ask about the pattern, check for anaemia, and may arrange a pelvic ultrasound and, if the cause is not clear, a hysteroscopy. Treatment ranges from medication and hormonal coils to endometrial ablation or, in selected cases, hysterectomy. Fibroids, benign growths in the muscle of the womb, may be watched, treated with medication, or removed, which is where Highgate's myomectomy listing comes in.

Abnormal cervical screening results usually lead to colposcopy, a closer look at the cervix with a magnifying instrument and, where needed, a small biopsy or a loop excision. Spire London East names colposcopy and cervical screening, but the national cervical screening programme remains the NHS route for routine invitations, and a private hospital does not replace it. Pelvic pain may need laparoscopy to look for endometriosis or adhesions, and ovarian cysts that cause symptoms can be removed by keyhole surgery, as the Redbridge list notes.

Pelvic floor problems, such as leaking when coughing or exercising, and prolapse, are commonly assessed in the same department. Treatments span pelvic floor physiotherapy, devices, and operations such as vaginal repair or a procedure for stress urinary incontinence, both of which appear in London listings. Menopause symptoms may need a longer conversation about hormone therapy, which is a prescription decision based on your history.

London's NHS care is commissioned by one of four integrated care boards, depending on your GP practice: North East London, South East London, South West London, or West and North London. For non-urgent consultant-led treatment, the NHS says the maximum waiting time is 18 weeks, and patients in England can choose the hospital for a first outpatient appointment. Gynaecology waits vary a good deal between trusts, so it is worth asking your GP what the local position is.

Guy's and St Thomas' lists fertility, maternity and women's services within its private patient service, which spans six London locations. Its page does not break these down by clinic. If you have a diagnosis that is being managed by an NHS gynaecologist, for example endometriosis, tell them about any private tests so results are shared and duplicate procedures avoided.

Facilities and services change, so confirm details with the hospital before you plan care.

• Is the consultant a specialist gynaecologist, and do they perform the procedure you may need, such as hysteroscopy, ablation or myomectomy?

• Is a chaperone offered for examinations, and can you ask for a female clinician if you prefer?

• Are ultrasound and other tests done at the same site and the same visit?

• If surgery is recommended, what are the alternatives, and what is the recovery period and effect on future pregnancies?

• How will results from biopsies or scans be sent to you and to your GP?

• What does the quote include: consultation, tests, procedure, anaesthetist, laboratory work and follow-up?

Soaking through pads in an hour or two, fainting, severe one-sided pelvic pain, or bleeding in pregnancy need urgent medical help. Call NHS 111 or go to an NHS A&E, and call 999 if you are collapsing or very unwell. HCA's urgent care centres at some London hospitals state that they see urgent but not life-threatening problems and refer emergencies to A&E.

Bleeding after the menopause should always be assessed, even if it seems light and has stopped. Your GP can arrange an urgent referral, and the NHS guide to waiting times states that cancer should be confirmed or ruled out within 28 days of an urgent suspected cancer referral.