This department serves women with illness arising from non-malignant conditions of the womb, cervix, tubes, ovaries and the skin area around the vaginal entrance (vulva).
Which patients should be referred?
Patients with gynaecological conditions such as:
a) abnormal periods (excessively heavy, painful or irregular)
b) post-menopausal bleeding
c) pelvic pain (not bowel related)
d) prolapse
e) suspected fibroids
f) suspected ovarian cyst
g) vaginal/ vulval skin problems
Most patients are assessed in an outpatients’ clinic scenario.
The emergency room in CUMH is reserved for true urgent cases, such as severe pain/ bleeding.
Where are gynaecological clinics held?
There are general gynaecology clinics, served by CUMH consultants in CUMH, South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital and in Carrigaline Mitchelstown and Mallow Primary Care Centres. South Tipperary General Hospital (Clonmel) and Bantry General Hospital are also served by CUMH consultants.
Which consultants provide public general Gynaecological Clinics in Cork?
| Consultant | Clinic Location | Special Interest |
| Prof. Richard Greene | CUMH | General |
| Prof. John Higgins | CUMH/Bantry General Hospital | General |
| Dr Cathy Burke | CUMH | General & Endoscopy |
| Dr John Coulter | CUMH | General & Oncology |
| Dr Matt Hewitt | CUMH | General & Oncology |
| Dr Zibi Marchocki | CUMH | General & Oncology |
| Dr Mairead O'Riordan | CUMH, Mitchelstown | General |
| Dr Barry O'Reilly | CUMH | General & Urogynae |
| Dr Suzanne O'Sullivan | CUMH | General & Urogynae |
| Dr Dan McKenna | CUMH | General |
| Dr Orfhlaith O'Sullivan | CUMH, TippUH | General & Urogynae |
| Dr Manal Younis | CUMH, TippUH | General |
| Dr Karen McNamara | CUMH/Mallow Primary Health Centre | General |
| Dr Deirdre Hayes-Ryan | CUMH | General |
| Dr Barbara Kerkoff | CUMH, Bons Secours | General Adolescent |
| Dr Richard Horgan | CUMH/Carrigaline Primary Care Centre | General |
| Dr Minna Geisler | CUMH/South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital | General |
| Dr Fergus McCarthy | CUMH | General |
| Dr Mudathir Abdelmaboud | CUMH/South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital | General |
| Dr Moya McMenamin | CUMH | Fertility |
| Dr Noirin Russell | CUMH, UHK | General |
| Dr Adriana Olaru | CUMH | General |
What happens in a gynaecological clinic?
Patients are assessed by a member of the Gynaecology team - a trained doctor, with experience in gynaecology.
Firstly, questions are asked of the patient to establish the nature of the problem, as well as relevant medical/ surgical history. Some questions may be of a personal nature. Therefore, patients can choose to bring a companion for this part of the assessment or not, as wished.
Secondly, a patient may require an examination of the abdomen and pelvis. This may involve an internal examination with a speculum (a small sterile tampon shaped tube inserted into the vagina), as well as a manual vaginal examination. A female chaperone will be offered for this examination.
Lastly a provisional diagnosis and plan for further tests/ treatment will be discussed with the patient.
A letter regarding your assessment will be sent to your General Practitioner.
As this department is affiliated to the University College Cork, Medical students may be present at your assessment. If you would prefer not to have a student present, please request this on registration.
Where are Gynaecological Surgical Procedures Performed?
Minor ambulatory procedures are carried out in the ambulatory suite at CUMH.
There are surgical theatres in CUMH and the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital.
Some procedures are also performed in Bantry General Hospital and Mater Private Hospital Cork or the Bons Secours Hospital Cork.