Emergency gynaecology is rapidly developing in the UK but remains mostly fragmented into early pregnancy and acute gynaecology. There is a dearth of literature on patient and service surveys, treatment guidelines and protocols and standards for acute gynaecology. A nationwide audit was therefore commissioned for this work, to facilitate understanding of the state of acute gynaecology services in the UK. Units should be staffed by multidisciplinary teams that include specialist nurses, healthcare support workers and administrative staff, with local determination of numbers and ratios. Staff training should be a priority, irrespective of who provides care. Core staff should have knowledge of sexual health and should be duly certified where necessary. There should be a rolling programme of audit of clinical processes and outcomes determined by both local and national priorities. Research should be actively encouraged within individual units and as part of collaborative multicentre initiatives.

All patients with infertility problems should have prompt access to an integrated multidisciplinary service that provides efficient and accurate assessment of their clinical situation. Pre-implantation genetic diagnostic services require care in planning relevant to the number of centres which should be resourced to meet a national need. The intimate relationship which the in vitro fertilisation (IVF) services require with specialist genetic clinical and laboratory personnel is an important consideration. The delivery of high-quality specialist services demands the availability of personnel with special skills. Medical and nurse training in infertility has been enhanced through accreditation courses in the general management of infertility and assisted conception. A rolling audit programme should be in place at all stages in the pathway of care for patients and should regularly assess clinic and laboratory standards. Engagement in research should be encouraged in all settings and specialist and subspecialist centres should engage with national trials initiatives.