Case Studies
BABY HOPE (AND AMELIE) CAME TRUE
Parents at last, after six years of heartbreak, Louise Singleton and her husband Jason are joining patients and staff in celebrating the 'unwrapping' of the new Bourn Hall Colchester IVF clinic on 24th April 2010. Their twins Amelie and Hope were born in March.
"They are fairly easygoing babies and the sleeping is not too bad. Being a mum is trying and just wonderful!" says Louise in a brief rest between feeds.
Louise and her husband, from Wivenhoe, Colchester, have been serious about having children since she was 24. After several years of trying naturally they went to Colchester General Hospital where after a number of unsuccessful treatments with IUI (Intrauterine insemination) they were offered a NHS funded cycle of IVF.
"We had one funded cycle of IVF and a further three as private patients at the Isis Fertility Centre. The staff were very good to us and I had every faith in them. Although I did get pregnant on each attempt, we lost each after a few weeks, and I was beginning to lose hope."
The couple were given a new chance when the rules changed on NHS funding in May 2009 and they were one of the first couples to be offered treatment under the new regime.
"This was fantastic news and at last the treatment was successful and we have the twins." The babies are called Amelie and, the aptly named, Hope.
After the long wait, the twins were an added blessing and the family were well prepared. Jason's grandmother was a twin and his sister has twins.
Louise is also full of praise for her understanding boss, who 'has been brilliant and supported me all the way through.'
Sarah Pallett, Clinic Manager at the Colchester clinic, was part of the team at the former Isis Fertility Centre which was acquired by Bourn Hall in November 2009, comments,
"We attract patients from across Essex, North London and South Suffolk and we have had enthusiastic feedback since the clinic became part of Bourn Hall. The fresh new look has been invigorating, but for me, the most rewarding aspect has been the additional know-how and expertise we can now deliver to our patients by being part of the long established Bourn Hall team."
Louise is delighted that the clinic has become part of Bourn Hall.
"I feel that a fertility clinic in Colchester is vital for the people of Essex and Suffolk. The treatment is stressful enough without having to travel a great distance; so not having to go to London or Cambridge is a huge benefit. I am very pleased that it has a secure future."
The Colchester clinic provides a full fertility service and is the first fully owned satellite clinic to be established by Bourn Hall.
