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A major London hospital has apologized to more than 100 women who had their eggs and embryos frozen at its clinic, citing potential damage.
Guy’s Hospital in London has apologized after eggs and embryos may have been damaged during the freezing process at the NHS-run clinic.
The clinic contacted 136 women in September and October 2022 after discovering that they may have mistakenly used a bottle of defective freezing solution.
However, the clinic said it did not know at the time that the liquid was defective.
It is thought that many of the affected women have since undergone cancer treatment, which may have made them unable to conceive using their own eggs.
A spokesperson for Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust said manufacturing issues could adversely affect the chances of frozen eggs or embryos surviving during thawing.
A spokesperson said: “In September and October 2022, we became aware of a manufacturing issue with some bottles of solution that may have been used to freeze eggs and embryos in our fertility division. ” he said.
They added that Guy’s hospital has now contacted all those affected and apologized for any distress the delay and mistake may have caused.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, London (Georgie Gillard/Pennsylvania)
(PA archive)
The Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA) said a safety notice regarding the defective freezing solution was issued to all registered clinics in February 2023. A hospital spokesperson said the hospital’s fertility department used the solution in September and October 2022.
Rachel Cutting, director of compliance and information at the HFEA, said the situation at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Fertility Services department was “ongoing” and an investigation was currently underway.
“We will take any further action necessary as a result of this investigation, consistent with our standard case process,” she said.
“While we are aware that this affected product may have been distributed to other clinics in the UK, the HFEA is currently aware that patients may have been affected by other licensed I don’t know about the clinic.”
The HFEA advised fertility patients who are concerned that this issue may be affecting their frozen eggs or embryos to contact their relevant clinic.
Cutting added that further steps will be taken to ensure such a mistake does not happen again.
“HFEA investigated the incident at the clinic to ensure that everything is being done to understand what went wrong and, most importantly, to ensure it does not happen again. We are taking measures,” she said.
“We will also share our learnings and inform other clinics about potential issues.”
Guy’s Hospital has advised that it has set up a dedicated phone line for affected patients.
The NHS-run clinic also says those affected can seek support through its counseling service.