About termination of pregnancy

We provide a confidential and accessible service for women who are considering a termination. We support choice and provide a non-judgemental, non-directional approach in assisting women with their decision. As well as supporting and caring for women seeking a termination, we also provide a contraceptive service, advice on sexual health and on healthy lifestyle choices.

How to access our services

We hold clinics at Bishop Auckland Hospital and Chester-le-Street Community Hospital.

  • Bishop Auckland Hospital on Mondays from 5pm-8pm and on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8am-8pm for day case procedures
  • Darlington Memorial Hospital on Mondays from 1pm-3pm
  • Chester-Le-Street Community Hospital on Tuesdays from 9am-12 midday

If you wish to access our service please call: 01388 455333 for an appointment and/or to discuss your options. If you are unsure of your decision we offer a counselling service with a trained nurse counsellor, Trudy Oliver. To book an appointment with Trudy please call: 01388 455153 between 8am - 5pm Monday to Thursday.

To book an appointment for a termination of pregnancy please phone Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm on 01388 455333.

The legal limit for a termination of pregnancy in this country is up to 24 weeks. In this Trust we offer it until 16 weeks. So, while it is important to have an early appointment, please ensure you are at least 5 weeks pregnant when you phone. Our receptionist will ask you some questions regarding this. If at your consultation appointment you are greater than 16 weeks pregnant, we will give you information of other providers.

Consultation appointments are carried out at Bishop Auckland Hospital, Chester-le-Street Community Hospital, Darlington Memorial Hospital and University of North Durham Hospital.

At your consultation appointment you will be seen by a specialist doctor/nurse who will discuss your general medical history and help you decide your future contraception. It is our policy that you are seen initially on your own. You may take someone in with you after this.

You will then see a gynaecologist who will perform an abdominal scan to determine how many weeks pregnant you are. Occasionally you may need to have a vaginal scan and this will be discussed with you at clinic. Once your pregnancy has been seen on scan you will be consented for your termination.

Our nurse specialist will see you to book you in for your termination, give you more details, answer any questions that you may have and take blood if required.

Medical termination - this involves a further 2 visits, the second of which will be at Bishop Auckland Hospital. You will be required to take two different tablets. 

Medical termination at home - this involves a further 2 visits, the second of which will be at Bishop Auckland Hospital. You will be required to take two different tablets. You need to fit strict criteria. 

Manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) - this involves 1 visit to Bishop Auckland Hospital, where you will need to stay approximately 3 hours. You need to be less than 8 weeks pregnant to have this procedure.

Surgical termination of pregnancy - this involves 1 visit to Bishop Auckland Hospital. You will stay approximately 4 - 6 hours. You need to be less than 12 weeks pregnant and have a responsible adult to accompany you, and stay with you for the remainder of the day. 

The team are supportive, non-judgemental and  we respect your right to change your mind at any time. Please just talk to us.