Treatment without the blushes at virtual clinic

Jeni Harvey

A “VIRTUAL clinic” which helps diagnose and monitor conditions such as stress incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and overactive bladders has been launched by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Trust.

The clinic, provided by the urogynaecology unit, interviews women both online and over the telephone about their symptoms.

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Patient Julie Fothergill, 46, said the service led to the diagnosis of her stress incontinence and the operation that “changed her life”.

She added: “Before the operation I was very limited – I could not do any sports activities, I could not even go on a brisk walk or dance on a night out.

“Now, thanks to the operation, I am back at the gym, take my dog on long walks and enjoy evenings out without the embarrassment.

“I preferred answering the more embarrassing questions via the electronic questionnaire than face to face. It was less uncomfortable and I felt I was being more honest about my symptoms.

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“The subsequent treatment I then had was second to none, I cannot praise staff at the hospital enough for changing my life.”

Patients deemed suitable for the virtual clinic are identified by a review of referral letters and asked if they would like to take part, or instead attend the hospital in person.

Stephen Radley, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Trust, said: “The virtual clinic allows patients to exchange important information to the clinician without embarrassment.

“The clinician can then decide what further tests or treatment is required.

“This method of consultation can save time for patients, who don’t need to travel to hospital and frees up time for doctors to care for more patients.”

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