Following the NHS reforms, the RCN Gynaecology Nursing Forum expressed concern about changes in the provision of NHS gynaecology services, their impact on the delivery of patient care and on the capacity of staff to respond. Members of the Forum reported that providers were rationalising services in response to service reductions demanded by purchasers. Among the effects reported were bed reductions, gynaecology patients being cared for in generic day case units, and post-surgery patients being discharged too early. In the absence of empirical evidence to support these claims, the Forum undertook a survey to obtain a clearer picture of the nationwide situation.