More Than Just a Scan: Our New Private Ultrasound Service in Wickham
Private ultrasounds are now available at The Watermill Clinic in Wickham. After months of planning, we have launched our new private ultrasound service, and the response so far has been wonderful.
When we set up the clinic, one of our aims was simple. We wanted to make good-quality investigations quicker and easier for our patients to reach. Ultrasound was therefore a natural next step.
Andrea Drackett performs all of our scans. She is an experienced, NHS-trained sonographer with more than 17 years in diagnostic imaging. In particular, she has deep expertise in gynaecological and pelvic scanning.
For me, though, the most exciting part is how closely ultrasound now sits alongside my own work. I am a GP with a Specialist Interest in Women’s Health, so the two fit together naturally.
Why we started with private pelvic ultrasound
Pelvic pain, heavy or irregular periods and persistent bloating can all have many different causes. Reaching a diagnosis usually involves several steps: a detailed history, an examination, blood tests and imaging.
Rapid access to high-quality private pelvic ultrasound therefore makes an enormous difference.
At The Watermill Clinic we can now arrange that scan quickly. For example, we regularly see women with pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, ovarian cysts, fibroids, PCOS or suspected endometriosis.
Previously, patients had to book imaging somewhere else entirely and then return weeks later for the results. Instead, we can offer care that joins up properly.
The benefit of working side by side
This is one of my favourite things about how we designed the service.
Andrea’s ultrasound room sits directly next door to my consulting room.
That might sound like a small detail. Clinically, however, it makes a real difference. If I have referred a patient for a scan, Andrea can show me the images straight away, and we can talk the findings through together.
Where appropriate, we then discuss the next steps with the patient in the same visit. Depending on what we find, that might mean reassurance, further blood tests, treatment, follow-up or a referral to a specialist.
In other words, the scan never sits in isolation. Instead, it becomes part of your overall care.
For women living with ongoing pelvic symptoms in particular, this close working relationship between GP and sonographer is enormously valuable. Our aim is straightforward: reach a clear diagnosis quickly, then move on to the right treatment.
Private pelvic ultrasound is only part of the picture
Although women’s health prompted us to develop the service, our scanning goes much wider.
We currently offer the following private ultrasound scans in Wickham:
- Pelvic and PCOS ultrasound
- Fertility and cycle-tracking scans
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Kidney and bladder ultrasound
- Testicular ultrasound
- Abdominal, bladder and prostate ultrasound
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening
For most scans you can book directly, so you do not need a GP referral first.
Every appointment includes the scan itself, a written report and a clear explanation of the findings. In addition, you get practical advice on what to do next.
Wellness ultrasound and health screening
Of course, not everyone who books a scan has symptoms.
Some people simply want to take a proactive approach to their health. Others would value the reassurance.
Our women’s wellness ultrasound gives a detailed assessment of the abdomen and pelvis. Specifically, it covers the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, bladder, uterus and ovaries.
Similarly, our men’s wellness ultrasound covers the abdominal organs, kidneys and bladder, as well as the prostate, testes, scrotum and abdominal aorta.
Both packages offer a thorough assessment and genuine peace of mind, in a calm and private setting.
What happens after your private ultrasound
For us, the real advantage is not simply having a scanner in the building. Rather, it is having the people who provide your care working together.
If the scan shows something that needs a closer look, we can coordinate the next steps for you. Depending on the findings, that might include a GP review, blood tests, treatment or an onward specialist referral.
This is exactly the kind of joined-up healthcare we set out to build.
What is coming next for our scanning service
This is only the beginning.
Since launching, we have already started work on expanding the service. Thyroid ultrasound and musculoskeletal scanning will follow shortly, together with wider health screening packages.
Ultimately, we want a diagnostic service that complements our private GP care. Patients across Wickham, Fareham, Bishop’s Waltham and the wider Hampshire area can then reach high-quality investigations close to home.
Get started
Your health, your way
More about ultrasounds
You can read more about the scans we offer, what each appointment involves and how to book on our ultrasound page.
Book a private ultrasound in Wickham
Book an appointment or contact the clinic, and our team will help you find the right scan.