How will you keep me safe during Covid-19?

Since our service reopened we have had to make a few changes. These changes are in place so that you’re safe when you attend for your appointments, and so that our staff and patients aren’t exposed to coronavirus. If you have any concerns or questions about the new way we’re doing things please get in touch with us.

 

We have put in a number of measures to limit transmission of coronavirus. Most of your consultations and counselling appointments will take place by phone or video call. Nurse appointments that include you completing consent forms will now take place in the clinic.

We will ask you to limit your social contact to essential contact only in the run up to, and during, your treatment. You will be given specific times to attend for every appointment, including monitoring scans, and we may ask you to use the drive through blood taking service or the phlebotomy service (C-floor, Royal Hallamshire Hospital) instead of coming to us. We will still be here to answer your queries and support you if you are unsure about any aspect of your treatment.

We need to limit the number of people in clinic at any one time, so if you arrive early for your appointment we may ask you to wait outside or in your car for a few minutes. We will also ask you to wear a face covering at all times whilst in the unit. Our staff will also be wearing masks and other PPE during your appointments. You won’t be charged extra for the PPE used during your treatment.

If you feel you are not in a position to go ahead with your treatment then please just get in touch with us and we can talk you through your options.

IIt is vital that partners are present for the in-person, telephone or video appointments when we will discuss your treatment plan and help you to complete your consent forms. We will also ask all partners to attend at least one appointment so that we can check ID and make sure that all your consents are in place before you start your cycle. At the moment we are unable to allow partners to be present at monitoring scans. However they can be here to support you when you have your egg collection (although they won’t be able to come into theatre) and you can be together for your inseminations, embryo transfers or early pregnancy scans.

Pregnant women appear no more or less likely to catch Covid-19 than the general population.

There is growing evidence that pregnant women may be at increased risk of severe illness from Covid-19 compared with non-pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester, although the overall risk of death remains very low.

There is no reported increase in the chance of birth defects because of Covid-19, and the chance of passing Covid-19 from mother to baby during pregnancy is very low.

The huge majority of women admitted to hospital with a severe Covid-19 infection have not been vaccinated. Therefore, the safest option for you and your baby, if you are planning to go ahead with fertility treatment, is to be vaccinated against Covid-19 before you start your treatment.

We would suggest that you use this as an opportunity to look after your mental and physical health as best you can during these challenging times. It’s a chance to quit smoking, reduce alcohol intake and take up regular exercise. A healthy, balanced diet is more important than ever and please do keep taking your folic acid and any other supplements that have been recommended for you.

We appreciate that during this time the need for support may be even greater than usual. We anticipate that emotions such as uncertainty, anxiety and vulnerability may be heightened. Our specialist counsellors, Suzanne and Diane, are available for free counselling sessions. We are here to support you so please ring 0114 2268050 to arrange an appointment.

You can ring us on 0114 2268050 between 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday and 8am – 3.30pm on Saturdays. We also post regular updates on our social media.

In addition the HFEA has some information on its website that you might find useful: HFEA.gov.uk

Contact us

We’d love to answer any questions you may have. If you would like find out more please complete our contact form or send an email to sth.jessopfertilityadministration@nhs.net

Alternatively you can call us on: 0114 226 8050

Opening times: 
Monday to Friday: 8.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday: 8.00am - 3.30pm

Results Line: 
0114 2268066
Monday-Saturday 2.00pm - 3.30pm

The Jessop Wing
Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF

Call 0114 226 8050

to talk to a member of our team

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