The Cervical Centre is headed by Dr Graeme Walker – a clinical specialist in the treatment of gynaecological pre-cancers, cancers and complex non-cancer gynaecological conditions.
Together with his wife Hilary – a highly trained specialist nurse colposcopist - and the team at Mater Private Hospital Gold Coast, the Centre is dedicated to improving the quality of life for women with gynaecological conditions – from diagnosis, to treatment and recovery pathways, in a caring and supporting environment.
Our services
Colposcopy
At Mater Private Hospital Gold Coast, we believe every woman deserves to feel personally supported through the process of an abnormal cervical screening result, and be given access to the best treatment methods available.
It is important to understand that not every abnormal cervical screening result is cancer, but for the few that are, good treatment options are available.
Our goal is to deliver the highest quality clinical care in a calming environment, ensuring diagnosis and treatment, whether it is for benign conditions or cancer, is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
We understand this can be an anxious time for you and your loved-ones and you can often feel overwhelmed and frightened after receiving an abnormal cervical screening result. These feelings are normal.
It is important to remember that only a small number of women with an abnormal screening result are diagnosed with cervical cancer; and of those who are, many are cured of their disease.
Understanding your condition and how it will be treated is very important. Having this knowledge is empowering. Our specialists will address your anxieties at the outset and discuss the likely outcomes in an open and informative way.
The process
Upon receiving an abnormal cervical screening test result you will be referred for further investigation, usually a LLETZ and/or colposcopy. At The Cervical Centre you will be seen within a week of your referral, but if you require a more urgent appointment, please let us know. Have your referral in hand and make your appointment by calling The Cervical Centre on 07 5530 0490.
Your consultation will be scheduled with enough time to discuss and explain your individualised treatment plan so that you and your loved-ones will be fully informed. We welcome your family and friends to be with you during your consultation if you feel this is would be helpful for you.
Please ask plenty of questions - we are here to help. If you do not understand any aspect of your condition or your treatment plan, don't be afraid to speak up. In most circumstances we can provide you with literature to reiterate what has been discussed. Some high-quality internet sites regarding gynaecological cancers can be found at www.nci.nih.gov, www.uptodate.com/patients, and www.gcsau.org.
What is a colposcopy
A colposcopy (pronounced Kol-POS-Kuh-pee) is a method of examining the cervix, vagina and vulva with an electric microscope called a colposcope. Dr Walker and his specialist nurse colposcopist, Hilary, will be looking for any abnormalities within the cervix, vagina and vulva. This examination takes 10-20 minutes and requires no anaesthetic.
What is a LLETZ
During your colposcopy, if your doctor spots any abnormal areas, he will take a tissue sample (biopsy). You will receive a local anaesthetic to the area. You may feel some pressure or slight cramping but the procedure is generally painless.
Further treatment
While most treatments can be performed in Dr Walker's rooms, in some cases, surgery may be necessary. If you require an operation, Dr Walker will discuss the minimally invasive surgical options available to you, including laparoscopic procedures.
Menstrual Misery Clinic
A one-stop general gynaecology clinic specialising in the investigation and treatment of abnormal, heavy or frequent menstrual bleeding supported by a dedicated multidisciplinary team.
More than one in three women experience heavy, painful and irregular bleeding that can devastate a woman’s physical, emotional and social quality of life. To avoid repeated visits to the doctor and lengthy waiting times for investigations, these women can be referred to the Gold Coast’s first dedicated ‘Menstrual Misery Clinic’, led by Dr Graeme Walker and his multidisciplinary team.
Patient appointments include a full spectrum of medical or surgical management of heavy and/or painful menstrual periods as appropriate, in line with patient choice.
- On-site iron infusions
- Patient-led videos regarding treatment options and processes
- On-site radiology and pathology
- Medical management including:
- GnRH analogue
- Surgical management including:
- Uterine fibroid embolisation (interventional radiology)
- Endometrial ablation
- Hysterectomy (laparoscopic either day case or overnight stay as per patient choice)
