British Pregnancy Advisory Service Avis 12

I’ve had 2 terminations with BPAS now and wow all I can say is all positive! They made me feel safe both times, spoke to me when I was anxious about the process and helped me understand the process clearly. Overall very positive experience

Because of a medicial problem, the nhs referred me to this service for an urgent appointment and BPAS never called me to schedule. I then tried calling them and the booking woman was frazzled and didn't really seem to care, even though she confirmed she saw the request in their system. She said she'd check with their team and call me back but she never did. I guess they just ignore people? It's so disheartening to see that this is the way they treat women in an extremely vulnerable time of need. I hope management takes this seriously because the people that work here are literally not doing their job, even when requested to assist by the hospitals.

Wow. On Wednesday just gone I had an online phone consultation and what a lovely nurse I had. I was made to feel the most comfortable during such a gloomy time, and that’s a rare feeling these days.

From the get go my plan was discussed in great detail to find which option suited me the best! whilst being able to get some niggles off my check too. They’re all ears and no judgment!

Treatment:
Fast forward to Friday- my pack was received early morning and by 2pm I had taken the first tablet. I have to say I think that was the worst of it! The nausea was horrendous but powered through with continuing every day activities. Day two- 24hours after i proceeded to take the second pack. Within an hour I had period like symptoms but nothing too extreme. It was my first abortion and I haven’t had children before so I wasn’t sure how I would react! my adrenaline did eventually kick in which usually happens in major events for me but honestly it wasn’t anything to worry about. Within the 4hours- I had passed the pregnancy. A kind of weird sensation but as the lady said- there was no need to look. And I didn’t (I believe this truly helped in a time like this).

I’d just like to say that if anyone is out there thinking or worrying, then please don’t. It’s scary being within the unknown but it is a breeze to go through!

I was really worried about going through the process when I first read reviews however the experience was actually very smooth and no where near as scary as anticipated. I had a call with the nurse on the Tuesday who called exactly the time I was given on the minute, the call was about 40 minutes long she was so kind and I didn’t feel any judgement at all she was also very clear about my options and how everything worked. I went for the pill at home which arrived on the Thursday which was quicker than expected, the process is explained really clearly and is also laid out really clear in the booklet provided. When I took the second lot of pills after 30 minutes of dissolving I will say it was more painful than anticipated but now I look back at it it was just like a bad period cramps and hit flush but it only lasted about 40 mins and then continued as a regular period. I just wanted to post this review as I know it can be a very scary experience but I can assure you it was not that bad :)

I didn’t have a great experience unfortunately. I wanted a surgical termination and after looking into BPAS and seeing this was something they offered and seeing that there was a clinic near me, instead of messing around with my GP I booked an appointment with BPAS. I then went through everything with the lady(she was lovely) but unfortunately was then told I need to travel all the way to Doncaster if I wanted surgical. Doncaster is miles away from where I live so unfortunately could not proceed any further. I felt like I’d wasted an hour of the lady’s time but not only that, I had also wasted my time and if I had just went through my GP i probably would have been sorted sooner. After waiting for this appointment and having the consultation I was then told a list of hospitals that offered this service so I rang round and eventually was offered an appointment up at one of the hospitals but then when I had a scan there I was told again surgical not an option. Another week gone by and still no further forward! Ive had to carry this pregnancy for a further 3 weeks past when i initially spoke with BPAS. The emotional rollercoaster I have been on has been an awful experience. Just beware that if you want surgical termination unless you are able to travel please don’t waste your time and just go through your GP. I wish i had. And BPAS please can you make it clear on your website that certain services are only offered in certain locations as had that been made clear from the start I would never of wasted my time or your time.

Great human quality. I couldn't get my treatment with them as I live in another area but they were very helpful and made sure I was ok. Even they call me back again to check. Found an ear and an empathetic human being on the other side of the phone, thing that totally lacked on the NHS. I would definitely choose them if I had the option.

The consultation was great, the nurse was very caring and non judgemental.
Unfortunately my issue comes with the non proper information they gave me about the abortion pill, I was told that over the counter medication would be fine and that the pain would be like bad period cramps. After taking the pills and being in severe pain screaming on the floor I had to call an ambulance and get taken to hospital for pain relief as I was passing out on the floor due to pain. The nurse then told me at hospital that it was proper contractions that the pills give you and that they can’t believe that I was not send home with proper pain relief (they sent me home with 30mg codine). Describing the pain as period pain and not contractions is awful and misleading. I believe they give you pills as it’s a quicker and cheaper method for the NHS rather than surgical and probably why they don’t send you home with any pain relief either. Thankfully I made the decision before hand to travel and do this at my partners house with him there before hand but because they were playing down the pain I could have easily done this on my own at my house and I was in so much pain I wouldn’t have been able to even pick my phone up nor speak for any help. Also by downplaying the pain it made be believe something was wrong as I was told i would have bad period cramps but I was having severe pain to the point I was on the floor screaming and nearly passing out, I definitely did not know what to expect nor was I prepared. I took 2x co-codamol and 2x ibuprofen before taking the medication and it didn’t even touch it. Ambulance staff had to give me morphine.
Don’t have the pills, it’s so inhumane. It’s like telling a pregnant woman to give birth at home and that ibuprofen and paracetamol will be fine.
I understand everyone’s experience will be different and some many experience less pain than I did however it’s so important for them to illiterate that yes you may me fine but also you may not be and state that it isn’t ’bad period cramps’ it’s real contractions.

They was very helpful , couldn't have been better really
Even though I spent 2 days in hospital and almost died , that's just the risks unfortunately
But they was amazing

Visited clinics in Finsbury Park and Richmond. Both the consultation and the actual process and procedure were easy and smooth. The staff and nurses were helpful and made you feel comfortable.

From initial consultation to procedure. Everyone at BPAS have been absolutely outstanding. Took the stress and nerves away - and provided a very "relaxing" and professional service. Would recommend to anyone in need - BPAS are definitely there for you.

Could not fault the care, compassion, dedication or professionalism of the staff. They will get you the help that you need. Fast. My friend was in a really bad situation. Finding out from the doctor she was very far along. BPAS ensured that although only a sit and wait appointment was given, she was prioritised and seen in time. We will never forget how amazing all the staff are, midwives, admin, managers Natasha and Matt at Richmond, surgeons, anaesthetists, everyone helped to make what was a very stressful time as good as it could possibly be. Big thank you.

Tried to book an appointment multiple times but they are always mysteriously so busy