Gynaecology Procedure Unit
The Gynaecology Procedure Unit provides abortion up to 13 weeks of pregnancy and assessment and referral for pregnancies greater than 12 weeks and 6 days.
The service is available for pregnant people from the Canterbury DHB area and also accepts referrals from South Canterbury and West Coast DHB.
COVID-19 Update
First Trimester TOP services continue to be delivered at Gynaecology procedure Unit. Self-referrals are being accepted, with the patient being seen after blood tests and scan arranged either by GP or GPU.
We are prioritising MTOP for women under 9 weeks with a limited surgical service for those 9-13 weeks. Women will need to attend GPU, at this time, for consent and dispensing of medications for MTOP.
Pregnancies over 13 weeks will continue to be seen by our service before referring to CWH.
The First Step
To be referred, you can see a GP or Family Planning doctor. They will talk to you and organise some essential blood and swab tests, offer you a counselling appointment and, if you wish, book you in to the Gynaecology Procedure Unit.
You can also contact Gynaecology Procedure Unit directly for an appointment for pre-decision counselling.
Counselling
Counselling services at the Gynaecology Procedure Unit are focused on supporting women with whatever option and decision they may choose. Pre-decision counselling, when a woman may be unsure of her decision, is also offered. A pre-decision booking does not require a doctor (or consultant gynaecologist) referral, but if a decision is made to request an abortion, a woman will need to return to her doctor (or consultant gynaecologist) to obtain a referral.
Counselling is available after the procedure and additional appointments can be made at any time by contacting the Gynaecology Procedure Unit Reception.
Medical Termination at the Gynaecology Procedure Unit
Medical termination is available up to 9 weeks of pregnancy though spaces are limited.
Surgical Termination at the Gynaecology Procedure Unit
The procedure is done by vacuum aspiration under local anaesthetic with sedation (awake but sedated).
Termination when 13 weeks or more pregnant
If your pregnancy is more than 12 weeks and 6 days you will be assessed at the Gynaecology Procedure Unit and referred to Christchurch Women's Hospital where termination is offered by medication induction of labour.
Follow up
Follow-up is provided by the referring doctor or the operating doctor if preferred by the patient. Follow-up counselling is available in the Counselling Department if needed.