Our clinics remain fully open
We want to reassure our patients that we remain fully open and continuing to deliver safe treatments. We remain in close contact with the HFEA to keep up to date with the very latest policy. We continue to adopt the very highest of safety standards within our clinics to keep all our patients, staff and the wider public safe.
For those patients looking to start treatment or those currently undergoing treatment, we will continue to offer our full service and are here to support you as we move forward in your fertility journey together.
Thank you for your understanding and support during this unprecedented period.
If you are a New Patient looking to start treatment with us you will need to book a scan and virtual consultation with one of our expert clinicians, this can be done either online here or by giving us a call on 0330 0580 800.
How you can be 'treatment ready'
The clinical and support teams can help, support and advise you on the steps you need to follow to be fully prepared to start treatment. We have a wide variety of services available in clinic or remotely to help get you ready.
The below checklist outlines what is needed to ensure you are 'treatment ready', whether you are already a patient with us, or a new patient just about to start treatment at abc ivf:
- complete your ultrasound scan & virtual consultation: Book your ultrasound scan and virtual consultation either online or by calling us.
- complete your consent forms: have you read through the required forms, reviewed the appropriate details, asked any questions you have, and then signed your consents? We need the full version, singed and returned to us before you are able to commence treatment.
- complete your nurse treatment consultation: have you had your treatment consultation with one of our nurse specialists? The nurse will take you through your protocol, medication and treatment timeline.
- complete your blood screening and required diagnostic tests: (Not all are appropriate for all patients) if you require blood screening or any diagnostic tests, we are now offering these in clinics, or with a home testing kit. Call our support team to book any of the following tests; semen analysis, amh test, blood screening tests.
- check your cycle funding and accounts are all up to date: if you are a self-funded patient, have you settled your accounts? If you contact our support team, they will be able to help you with any questions you have.
Our new patient enquiry team
Any new patients looking to start their fertility journey, we are here to help you move forward.
There is no need for you to delay starting treatment during this time as we can provide you with a virtual consultation via video or phone.
If you have any questions about a typical IVF patient journey, costs and how the process works then do please call our team and they will be able to answer your questions.
Frequently asked questions
- For those in treatment/trying to get pregnant now, they can have either vaccine if it is offered to them.
- Those who have not yet started treatment can have the vaccine and do not need to delay starting treatment.
- Your clinician will discuss the options with you so you can make an informed decision.
The British Fertility Society and Association of Reproductive Clinical Scientists have created this document for advice on Covid-19 vaccines.
Further information can be found on the government website here.
The risk of Covid-19 transmission exists in general throughout the UK, including during travel to the clinic. In line with best practice guidelines, we have implemented significant modifications to our working practices to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission within our clinics. To help us achieve this objective, you will be required to abide by the following procedures:
- You (and anyone attending clinic with you) will need to complete a Covid-19 Triage questionnaire before all clinic visits, before starting treatment and on arrival at the clinic. This questionnaire will indicate whether you are able to attend the clinic; please read the questionnaire for instructions as to how to complete it. (PDF download)
- Visits to the clinic are minimised and many appointments will take place online or over the phone.
- When you visit clinic, you will need to keep 2 metres distance from other patients and staff, unless close contact is required for a medical procedure or examination.
- Waiting procedures will be different than normal, we have different designated spaces for patients to wait and you will be directed as to where to wait. If you have travelled to the clinic via car, you may be asked to wait in your car until we are ready to see you for your appointment.
- We ask that you wear a face covering if you are visiting one of our clinics. In the event you do not have a face covering, we will risk assess the situation and may decide to give you a mask at your visit. If this is given to you, it is required that you comply with our directions, and you will receive instructions in how to place the mask correctly.
- We will take your temperature at each clinic visit as part of our screening procedures. In addition, you will be required to follow any additional checks we implement, such as blood tests, swabs etc.
- At your visit, you will be required to wash your hands or utilise hand sanitiser on your arrival. You may be directed by our staff to follow hand hygiene procedures and you are required to follow their instructions.
- We recommend that you attend clinic on your own unless it is necessary to be accompanied. If you intend to visit clinic with another individual, they must be a member of your household and they must also complete the Covid-19 Triage Questionnaire. You must also notify us in advance if you intend to visit the clinic accompanied.
- Only one patient (and a member of their household) will be allowed to utilise shared spaces, such as corridors or lifts, at any point in time. Staff will direct you as to when it is safe for you to move through the premises.
Please bring the any paperwork, signed consents information that has been discussed with your nurse or patient support advisor.
We also ask that you wear a face covering if you are visiting one of our clinics. In the event you do not have a face covering, we will risk assess the situation and may decide to give you a mask at your visit. If this is given to you, it is required that you comply with our directions, and you will receive instructions in how to place the mask correctly.
As this time we recommend that you attend clinic on your own unless it is necessary to be accompanied. If you intend to visit clinic with another individual, they must be a member of your household and they must also complete the Covid-19 Triage Questionnaire. You must also notify us in advance if you intend to visit the clinic accompanied so the clinic can prepare for this.
We are working hard to keep both patients and staff safe during this time and so we are installing a policy of only one patient (and a member of their household) will be allowed to utilise shared spaces, such as corridors or lifts, at any point in time. Staff will direct you as to when it is safe for you to move through the clinic.
We have implemented significant modifications to our working practices to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission within our clinics. Attending your appointment you will be asked on arrival to do the following:
- You will need to complete a Covid-19 Triage questionnaire. The questionnaire will indicate whether you are able to attend the clinic on that day; please read the questionnaire for instructions as to how to complete it. (PDF download)
- You will need to keep 2 metres distance from other patients and staff, unless close contact is required for a medical procedure or examination.
- Waiting procedures will be different than normal, we have different designated spaces for patients to wait and you will be directed as to where to wait. If you have travelled to the clinic via car, you may be asked to wait in your car until we are ready to see you for your appointment.
- You will be asked to wear a face covering. In the event you do not have a face covering, we will risk assess the situation and may decide to give you a mask at your visit.
- We ask to take your temperature at each clinic visit as part of our screening procedures. In addition, you will be required to follow any additional checks we implement, such as blood tests, swabs etc.
- You will be required to wash your hands or utilise hand sanitiser on your arrival.
The latest guidance from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) suggest that pregnant women do not appear more likely to contract the infection than the general population.
There are currently no data suggesting an increased risk of miscarriage or foetal anomalies or adverse pregnancy complications based on available limited information and experience. Link to RCOG guidelines: https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/coronavirus-covid-19-pregnancy-and-womens-health
The long-term effect of Covid-19 on pregnancies remains unknown and the clinic cannot guarantee that a pregnant woman’s health would not be severely affected or there is no increased risk of miscarriage, premature delivery or an adverse effect on the baby if Covid-19 was contracted during pregnancy.
Patients who are at greater risk of Covid-19 infection or complications resulting from fertility treatment may be delayed from starting treatment during this time. We will consider all circumstances when designing a treatment protocol in order to minimise risk for patients.
A patient’s risk status may change during treatment; for example, a patient may develop symptoms of Covid-19 during treatment. In the interests of patient safety, we may choose to pause treatment and delay until the patient is at low risk again. In other circumstances, we may need to electively freeze embryos or eggs. Decisions in your care will be taken individually with our clinical team.
In order to protect your own safety we recommend you follow our code of conduct before commencing treatment, because this will help to reduce the risk of transmission.
- avoid unnecessary exposure to risks of Covid-19 infection at work and in private.
- restrict social life and interactions in line with government guidelines.
- inform the clinic if you develop symptoms of Covid-19; or test positive for Covid-19 infection, or for any reason your risk to Covid-19 infection has been raised; or you have been unable to follow the code of conduct.
We strongly urge patients to stay at home during their treatment as much as is possible, as this will minimise the risk of transmission.
Updated advice and Government guidelines on Covid-19 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus