Globally we are facing an unprecedented event following the outbreak of COVID–19 (coronavirus). It is an extremely challenging and anxious time for us all not just on a personal level but also within the healthcare setting and our ability to provide safe treatment for our patients. We are continuously monitoring developments and are taking all necessary actions to support our patients, our staff and the wider healthcare community. We have taken the necessary steps to ensure that our staff are aware of and follow guidelines as stipulated by Public Health England in relation to COVID-19. Our contingency plans are in full effect and are continually evolving as the situation changes.
Compulsory Requirement
If you or an immediate family member have any of these symptoms DO NOT come into the hospital, please call us on 0121 446 1501 and we will guide you on how we will manage your fertility care.
- FEVER, COUGH, SORE THROAT, SHORTNESS OF BREATH; OR
- HAVE TRAVELLED OVERSEAS IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS; OR
- HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH COVID-19 IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS OR SUSPECTED OF HAVING COVID-19.
Good hand hygiene, coughing into the crook of your elbow, binning used tissues and social distancing all remain essential parts of the fight against the spread of this virus. When in the hospital please use the alcohol gel stations.
Pregnancy
The government has advised there is no added risk to pregnant women. The Royal College of Gynaecologists has published a full statement on COVID-19, in summary, pregnant women do not appear to be at increased risk of infection or of developing severe complications. There are currently no data suggesting an increased risk of miscarriage or early pregnancy loss in relation to COVID-19.
Our Contingency Plans
We recognise our responsibility towards our patients as well as to our own staff and the wider community. We continue to monitor the situation closely and update our contingency plans and patient information as required. This leaflet is designed to summarise our current plans and provide information so that we can all stay safe during this troubling time. Our plans can be broken down into several sections as follows:-
Our Staff
We have taken the necessary steps to ensure that our staff are aware of and follow guidelines as stipulated by Public Health England in relation to COVID-19. We are encouraging our staff to feel confident about self-isolating if necessary.
Patients
All patients who attend The Fertility Centre are asked whether they have the symptoms of COVID-19, have travelled to the most affected areas or know anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. If you believe you have the symptoms of COVID-19 or are at risk of developing you MUST self isolate and DO NOT attend The Fertility Centre. You WILL NOT be able to have treatment this cycle if you have COVID-19 even if you have started your drugs. We will discuss with you over the phone how we want you to stop your treatment.
If we cannot stay open?
Staffing
There may come a point where we do not have enough staff well enough or available to provide a safe service to our patients. Should this happen we will have to close the centre. If possible we will try to complete treatment cycles where embryos have been created, however, it is possible that we may have to stop treatment immediately and freeze all eggs or embryos. Although this is tremendously disappointing the eggs/embryos will remain safely stored until it is safe to re-open and start treating patients again.
Supporting the national effort
Within BMI Healthcare we are working at a corporate level with the Department of Health and NHS England to help contribute to the national effort to overcome the effects of COVID-19. BMI Priory hospital has a level 3 Intensive Care Unit and 5 theatres, there is a strong likelihood that these may need to be given over to the NHS to help support those in greatest need. If this does happen the centre will no longer be able to perform egg collections and your treatment cycle will need to be cancelled. We will contact you to discuss how to safely manage to stop your treatment.
In Conclusion
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed. It is therefore essential that we have up to date contact details for all patients and their partners should we have to make the decision to close The Fertility Centre.
Together we must do everything we can to protect the health and well-being of patients, staff and the wider community. This may mean that treatment cycles need to be cancelled until we have come out the other side of this pandemic.
We work tirelessly to provide the highest standards of professional care and we will support you in your pursuit of a family so that jointly we can do everything possible in this difficult situation.