A Nurse-led Pessary Clinic has reopened within the Outpatients Department at Bangor Hospital after being on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. This marks a significant step forward in improving patient care and reducing waiting times across the South Eastern Trust.
Prior to the pandemic, the clinic was successfully managed by dedicated nursing staff. However, following the pandemic, many of these staff members either retired or took promotions within the Outpatient Department in Ards Hospital, leading to the clinic’s temporary suspension. During this time, patients from the Bangor area were accommodated in the Outpatients Department in Ards Hospital, which significantly increased waiting times and added pressure on both the Ards and Ulster Hospital sites.
In order to reinstate services within the Outpatients Department in Bangor Hospital, a new workforce was trained with the invaluable support of the Ulster Hospital Gynaecology Team and the Ards Hospital Outpatients Team.
Outpatients Department Sister, Nicky Rowley said, “We are delighted to reopen the Pessary Clinic within Bangor Hospital’s Outpatients Department, ensuring that women in our community have easy access to this essential service. Our dedicated team is committed to providing high-quality care, offering support and reassurance to patients in a comfortable and professional environment.”
Lead Nurse Gynaecology Services, Pauline Barker added, “The reopening of the Nurse-led Pessary Clinic is a significant step forward in improving access to care for our patients. By restoring this vital service locally, we are not only reducing waiting times, but also alleviating pressure on other sites.
“I would like to thank the dedicated nursing teams, as well as the invaluable support from the Ulster Hospital Gynaecology and Ards Outpatients Teams in making this possible.”