Implementation of holistic care for women requesting referral
for termination of pregnancy: following a local review
H. Nixon
The Sandyford Initiative, Glasgow, UK
Introduction: 50% of women in Glasgow seeking termination
of pregnancy are referred via the Sandyford Initiative and associated community
family planning clinics (approximately 1200 women per year). ‘Living with a
Secret’ – an action research report on women and service providers views of
termination of pregnancy services in Glasgow – highlighted that a ‘responsive,
efficient, intimate service. that allows adequate time, information and support
to come to the right decision’ was a priority for women. Women also felt that
the social and psychological aspects of termination of pregnancy were
under-estimated before and after the procedure. The ‘Mrs Brown’ referral
service at the Sandyford Initiative allows women to be seen by a specially
trained nurse to explore options and feelings around unplanned pregnancy and to
be referred to local hospital services for termination, if this is the chosen
outcome.
Aim: To provide approximately 100 appointments per month
for termination counselling and referral. Women can self-refer and are allocated
a 30 minute appointment with a nurse to look at their pregnancy and situation,
explore all possible options and make an informed choice when they feel ready to
do so in as non-threatening an environment as possible.
Results: From July – December 2003, 559 ‘Mrs Brown’
appointments were available: 499 women booked, 399 attended and 334 were
referred for termination. Prior to July 2003, 50% of women were being seen at
busy drop-in clinics – now early all are seen at the specialist service. A
separate post termination counselling service has been established. Women can
self-refer and counselling is provided by a trained counsellor from the Centre
for Women’s Health (Sandyford Initiative), based on a single session model,
but with longer term counselling available if required.
Conclusion: An easily accessible, specialist service has
been developed to help meet the needs of women seeking support and referral for
termination of pregnancy.
