Worried about lockdown and clinic closures?

[Youngatheart00]

We are expecting to start another round of IVF in February but am concerned about the current covid situation in London. Last time we had just finished a (failed) attempt before lockdown hit but I expect a number of people had treatment postponed or worse still cancelled halfway through.

The thought of having to stop during the process (the money and the emotional and physical toll!) is another element of stress I just don’t need!!

I recall last time clinics were allowed to reopen when lockdown was eased very slightly....appreciate no one will likely know for certain but does anyone have a view on whether they see clinics remaining open if we do all go into another severe lockdown (press today about the infectiousness of the new strain has worried me)

I don’t think private clinics will have to close, as the next stage...tier 5/full lockdown is essentially what we have now in tier 4, but also the closure of education. I think the Govt have learned lessons from first wave and will not put a stop to medical treatments. For clinics attached to hospitals and/or NHS patients, I’ve already read a few stories on here of people having their cycles cancelled, as staff are being diverted away from other departments to help with emergency care.

The issue in the first wave was that clinics had not been declared ‘covid secure’, but they have put measures in place now to be as safe as possible. I guess we never know for sure with the Govt changing their minds so often, but I think clinics will stay open.

Thanks @IslandStars that’s well thought out and reassuring! It’s a private clinic we’re using and it’s not attached to a hospital although I would need to find parking close by as I really don’t think I’ll be wanting to use public transport in central London

@Youngatheart00 HFEA latest statement is below. If your IVF is private I think you’ll be fine.

Everything stopped last time as the HFEA (regulatory body) said they had to. My understanding this time is that clinics will only stop if their staff need to be redistributed, which will only affect NHS clinics, HFEA guidelines aren’t changing.

Good luck 🤞

www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/covid-19-and-fertility-treatment/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-patients/

Thanks very much @Mancbear88 you’re a star!!

I am so concerned about this! We are currently looking to qualify for NHS funding and it seems there's no reason it should be denied.... but is the tier 4 situation going to cause cancellations and delays?! : ( : (

All our appointments were made after December 24rd but it doesn't mean they can't change at the last minute I suppose. V stressed.