Unhappy with Guys ACU, looking for alternative suggestions...

[LoOs123]

Hi, we've been TTC for nearly two years. Sent for investigation under NHS at Guys and St Thomas and although they found that I have PCOS, I've been given an unexplained infertility diagnosis. Hycosy normal and am still ovulating despite PCOS. We would have to wait another year for IVF under NHS and we've decided to use some savings to fund private IVF. I'm looking for some reccomendations in South London/North Kent. The Bridge Centre or Chistopher Steer in Kent? Has anyone used either of these and how did they find it? I've found Guys disorganised, trying to get through to reception is difficult and when you do, I found them less than helpful. I've had to go round the houses to confirm I'm an existing patient everytime and been sent for appointments where they thought I was half way through and IVF programme. Is this something I should expect from everywhere?

[BadgerFace]

Have you looked at King's ACU in Denmark Hill/Camberwell? I know there are direct trains from lots of bits of Kent so it might be a convenient place for you.

We did NHS IVF there 3 years ago and are currently self-funding a frozen embryo cycle. I am probably a bit biased as we had a successful first cycle but all the nurses and receptionists I've dealt with there have been really helpful.

I am sure I've seen the Bridge Centre mentioned on here so worth a search if you've not done that already for reviews.

Good luck with finding the right place for you.

[LoOs123]

Thanks Badgerface. We could definately get to Camberwell, in fact we used to live down the road from there. Glad to hear that you had sucess there, it's so difficult to know where to choose. I also feel a bit bad moaning about the NHS but I know that if I was paying for treatment and the organisation was what I've experienced at Guys, I'd be fuming. Good luck with your frozen cycle!

[allchatnicknamesgone]

I'm paying at Guys and the nurses and staff are lovely. All I ever have to do is leave a message and they always get back to me. To be fair I've never had to deal with reception though because I've always waited to get through to the nurses. Success figures are also higher there from what I read hence my decision also.

However, I do a recall a bit of a mix up at the very beginning with the forms, but I found them very efficient once I've been in the process. I was always concerned that a private clinic would rinse me for loads of tests even when not needed.

We'll see how it pans out though with Guys! Good luck with finding the right clinic for you. It's important to feel happy and confident.

[bluemoonday]

I'm also at Guy's - I've done 3 cycles so far (two free, one private). We opted for the 'consultant led' package which has been great, we just deal directly with Dr El Toukhy and don't have to speak with any of the reception staff or nurses. I know the phone line situation can be frustrating but overall I think the facilities, pricing and medical staff at Guys are very good. We visited a few other clinics including the Lister and, whilst they have a doorman in a top hat and a nice coffee machine, they offer pretty much exactly the same services as Guys but at a 20-30% mark-up.

Picking a clinic is tough but my advice would be to think about the things that are important to you. The phone message/admin situation at Guy's didn't really bother me when I did my NHS cycles there. If you know it will wind YOU up, however, avoid the stress and choose a quieter or more expensive clinic. I don't know much about the Bridge Centre but you could check out the Lister, ARGC or CRGH.

[Jackiemagazine]

If you're going private why not pick on the basis of their success rates? Sorry if that seems too simplistic!

[inconceivableme]

We had a successful first cycle at King's 3 years ago too. Would recommend, as BadgerFace does. Badger, we must have had treatment at v similar times? I know other successes from there too.
That said, friends have 2 children from Guys and who were v happy with it.

[gcerron]

I suggest create fertility, I am there know, still in process but I Feel comfortable with them, good luck!!!