A CONSULTANT gynaecologist is calling for the reinstatement of what he describes as Jersey’s “lost” gynaecology ward.
The specialist ward was opened in 1991 to ensure that those who required hospitalisation for issues such as abortions and miscarriages were cared for with the required sensitivity and privacy.
Now, almost 35 years later, the Island no longer has this allocated space so patients who require hospital treatment for gynaecological issues are admitted to a combined general surgery ward.
Neil MacLachlan, who was a consultant obstetrician-gynaecologist for the States for over 30 years, said: “I feel strongly that Jersey deserves to have a dedicated ward to treat women in a sensitive manner by staff who have chosen gynaecology as their specialism.”
He said that due to the lack of dedicated gynaecology ward, if a woman was miscarrying and required hospital admission, it would be to a female surgical ward – where “staff work hard to attempt to provide sensitive care in a suboptimal environment”.
Mr MacLachlan added: “Being on a surgical ward is just so wrong and unfair on everyone.
“It may help solve the bed situation, but we should be putting the patient’s welfare at the centre of any decision making and overturn this expedient practice.
“Is it any wonder that we struggle to recruit and retain staff when we don’t even have our own dedicated gynaecology ward?”
The consultant gynaecologist explained that the Island was “back to where we were in 1990”.
“A woman going through a painful and upsetting miscarriage could be in a bed next to another having her gall bladder out,” he explained.
“This created problems for patients and staff alike, and it was clear that for those unfortunate women who needed more privacy and sensitive nursing, a dedicated ward was important.”
In 1991, Rayner Ward became the Island’s dedicated gynaecology ward, providing privacy and specialised care to those experiencing abortions, miscarriages and other gynaecological issues.
But around two decades later, the ward was merged with Portelet Ward to become the “Surgical Floor” – a 26-bed general surgery ward treating patients across a range of specialist areas, including gastrointestinal, dental, urology, breast, maxillofacial, gynaecology, and ear, nose and throat.
Mr MacLachlan said: “While we appreciate a considerable amount of gynaecology care is carried out in the day care unit, there is still an important requirement to offer women a dedicated area to care for them in times of trouble, for example, when miscarrying their pregnancy.”
He made the comments following the publication of results from a survey which is set to inform potential changes to the Termination of Pregnancy (Jersey) 1997 Law.
Although the main aim of the consultation was to gather views on the current law and inform potential changes, the report on the responses revealed many issues which sit outside of legislation.
One of the key concerns raised through patient testimonies was the lack of dignity throughout the process – particularly in relation to the absence of a dedicated gynaecology ward. Islanders raised concerns about the lack of privacy afforded to those having abortions in hospital.
“It didn’t feel private or like a protected space at all,” said one survey respondent.
Following the publication of the results of the survey, Mr MacLachlan said: “It is crucial that women have free access to termination and that it should be performed in the safest way possible.
“While termination can theoretically take place at home in early pregnancy [before nine weeks], beyond this gestation it should take place in a clinic where there are suitable amenities such as an operating theatre staffed by people who have no objections to the procedures.
“However, not only has Jersey lost its dedicated gynaecology ward, but access to the operating theatre can be difficult because of the pressures on operating theatre space by various specialties.”
Following the consultation, Assistant Health Minister Andy Howell thanked everyone involved for their feedback and said that the survey responses “will help inform the future of this very important issue.”
The JEP has asked the government for a response to Mr MacLachlan’s concerns.
