TIGER UK: A new network for people passionate about improving gynaecology experiences

Summary

In this short blog, Stephanie O'Donohue tells us about a brand new network called TIGER UK. Based on the belief that progress lies in collaboration, TIGER UK is open to anyone who is passionate about sharing insights and working together to improve gynaecology experiences.

Find out how a personal experience motivated her to start the group, and how you can join.

Content

The motivation behind TIGER UK

I'm Stephanie O'Donohue, the founder of TIGER UK. Fifteen years ago, I had an awful experience of a gynaecological procedure. I wasn’t forewarned of the possibility of high levels of pain, my distress wasn’t responded to well and there was no pain relief offered to me other than the advice to take paracetamol. Sadly, I have learnt that my experience is far from rare.

I have since been advocating for improvements to be made in gynaecology care, amplifying the patient voice and sharing insights from key healthcare professionals who understand the need for change.

My vision? That positive gynaecology experiences become standard and that no one leaves a gynaecology appointment having suffered avoidable trauma. 

A collective force for good

I have found that different perspectives and knowledge surrounding gynaecology care improvements seem to largely exist in isolation – the clinical knowledge, lived experience and research findings.

TIGER UK is based on the belief that collaboration is key if we are to make progress in this area. Together we will create a safe space for different experiences and knowledge to be shared, listened to, captured and learned from. We will empower each other to understand the actions we might take – big or small – to contribute to meaningful change.

When we have enough members, we will be sending out details of our first webinar and our patient experience survey. We'll also be asking healthcare staff to share their insights through a survey. So why not join or follow us to see how we can influence gynaecology care to be as compassionate, timely, pain-free and dignified as possible.

Join TIGER UK on:

LinkedIn

Facebook

Please note, TIGER UK members should be UK-based. 

Related reading

Pain and the role of patient information in gynaecology