February 13, 2024, 21:07
Frozen eggs and embryos may have been destroyed at a London fertility clinic that affected more than 130 women.
Photo: Alamy
More than 130 women who had their eggs and embryos frozen at a leading London fertility clinic may have been denied the chance to become mothers because of a flaw in the freezing process.
Guy’s Hospital in London said it may have mistakenly used a defective bottle of freezing solution that it did not know was defective at the time.
A total of 136 patients may have been affected. It is believed that many of them underwent cancer treatment, had their uterus removed, and froze their eggs after they were no longer able to conceive naturally.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust said the eggs and embryos may have been destroyed between September and October 2022.
Patients have been informed about this issue over the past two weeks.
St Guy’s NHS Hospital, London.
Photo: Alamy
read more: Woman hospitalized after being bitten on face by bully-type dog
read more: Nottingham triple murderer could claim thousands of yen in benefits each year after being sent to a secure hospital instead of prison
The UK’s fertility regulator, the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA), said it was in the midst of an “ongoing” investigation and would take “any further action as necessary”.
The HFEA is believed to have issued a safety notice regarding the potentially defective freezing solution in February 2023. This was several months after Guy’s Hospital’s Fertility Support Unit used a faulty batch.
Rachel Cutting, HFEA’s Director of Compliance, said: “While we are aware that this affected product may have been distributed to other clinics in the UK, HFEA is currently working to ensure that patients are not affected. “We are not aware of any other licensed clinics that have been approved.”
“We welcome the occurrence of an incident that is of concern to patients.
“We encourage patients to contact their clinic to express any questions or concerns they may have, as clinics are best placed to advise individuals on how they may or may not have been affected. recommend to.”
read more: Welsh rugby legend Barry John, nicknamed ‘The King’, dies in hospital aged 79
read more: Legendary DJ Steve Wright dies at 69: Tributes pour in for the broadcaster who enjoyed a 40-year radio career
A spokesperson for Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust told LBC: “In September and October 2022, we received a number of orders that may have been used to freeze eggs and embryos in our Fertility Support Unit. I learned that there was a manufacturing issue with some of the bottles of solution.
“Although we were not aware of the potential problem at the time we froze the eggs or embryos, this manufacturing issue can negatively impact the chances of the frozen eggs or embryos surviving during thawing.
“We have contacted all those affected and apologized for the delay in responding and any inconvenience this may have caused.
“We are supporting those who may have been affected, including through our counseling services, and encourage anyone with concerns to contact us directly through the dedicated telephone line we have set up. .”