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Consent forms
Once a recommended course of clinical management has been agreed on, you will read and sign a consent form appropriate to the treatment you are about to receive.
Signing the consent forms however does not commit you to that particular form of treatment, and you can change your mind at any time.
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The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is a statutory body set up to regulate and license fertility centres in the United Kingdom.
The HFEA ensures that appropriate standards are maintained and monitors all centres through regular inspection. Amongst its many responsibilities, the HFEA ensures that all stages of human life are managed with respect and that the welfare of children and all aspects of confidentiality remain foremost.
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Confidentiality
Information containing patient identity can be disclosed to the HFEA or other licensed clinics.
The HFEA is also responsible for keeping a confidential register of information about patients, donors and treatments. This register was set up on 01 August 1991 and contains information concerning children conceived using licensed treatments from that date onwards. From 2008 people aged 16+ (if contemplating marriage) or 18, who ask the HFEA, will be told whether or not they were born as a result of licensed conception treatment and if so, whether they are related to the person they wish to marry.
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Welfare of the child
The Herts and Essex Fertility Centre has an obligation under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act to take into account the welfare of any child who may be born as a result of a licensed treatment, as well as that of any other existing children who may be affected by the birth.
The HFEA requires that both partners and the GPs of both partners to complete a “Welfare of the Child Declaration” form before treatment can commence.
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Healthcare Commission
The Care Standards Act (2000) led to the establishment of the National Care Standards Commission to regulate all providers of independent healthcare facilities in the UK.
The Commission is responsible for the maintenance of appropriate standards and independently audits establishments on a regular basis. Whilst the HFEA primarily focus on standards pertaining to fertility management, the Commission take a broader perspective to monitoring standards of service delivery. Holly House Hospital is the organisation that is formally registered under the Care Standards Act and the Essex Fertility Centre conforms to the Hospital’s quality framework.
A copy of the most recent National Care Standards Commission inspection report may be obtained by writing to the Hospital Director at Holly House Hospital.
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Feedback and suggestions
We are always interested to receive any comments or suggestions you may have on how our service may be improved. Please feel free to complete one of the comment cards that are kept in the waiting room or if you prefer, please write to the Medical Director at the Essex Fertility Centre.
We would appreciate your comments or suggestions in relation to this guide or any of our patient information leaflets. Again, you may wish to use one of the comment cards or write to the Medical Director.
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Concerns and complaints
At the Herts and Essex Fertility Centre we strive to ensure that you are completely satisfied with your experience. However, there will be occasions when patients or visitors may be unhappy with some aspect of their care or in the environment. We welcome your comments both positive and negative, and will seek to resolve any cases of dissatisfaction to the best of our ability.
If you are unhappy about any issue, please speak to a member of staff who will endeavour to resolve the situation immediately. If this cannot be done or you remain dissatisfied, then please ask to speak to our Complaints Officer.
There may be occasions when you will prefer to express your concerns/complaints in writing.
Written complaints should be directed to:
The Fertility Centre Director
Herts and Essex Fertility Centre
Bishop's College
Churchgate
Cheshunt EN8 9XP
A leaflet outlining the Complaints Procedure and the options available to you can be collected from the information carousel in the waiting room or from any member of staff.
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Gaining Access to your Medical Records
If during an episode of your treatment you wish to read your case notes, please inform the doctor or nurse of your request so that we can organise this at the earliest opportunity. There will be no fee for this if the record is recent i.e. made within the previous 40 days.
If you want a copy of all or part of your medical records, or if you wish access to automated records, then an administrative fee will be levied. The request for medical records must be done in writing.
A leaflet outlining access with the current schedule of fees is available from any of the administrative staff.
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Ethics Committee
The Herts and Essex Fertility Centre has its own ethical committee. |
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Patient Survey
Each year we conduct an anonymous survey covering a sample of our patients to obtain a review of our performance. A copy of the most recent report is available from any of our staff on request.
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Paying For Your Treatment
By now, you should have received a “Schedule of Fees” outlining the cost of all the treatments we offer. The fees are reviewed on an annual basis with any increases taking effect on 01 January of each year.
The Accounts department of Herts and Essex Fertility Centre process the invoices and so personal cheques should be made payable to “The Herts and Essex Fertility Centre”. Cash, banker’s draft, credit and debit cards are accepted means of payment.
All cheques must be cleared, or payment made, before completion of treatment i.e. before egg collection or IUI. Payment for blood tests or prescribed drugs must be made at the time of the procedure or at dispensing.
Any queries regarding the invoice must be directed to: Patient Accounts on 01992 785 060.
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Statement of purpose
A full copy of our Statement of Purpose is available by writing to the Fertility Centre Director at the Herts and Essex Fertility Centre. |
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Useful contact details
Herts and Essex Fertility Centre
Bishop's College
Churchgate
Cheshunt
EN8 9XP
Tel : 01992 785 060
Fax : 01992 785 079
Website : www.hertsandessexfertility.com
Email : andy@hertsandessexfertility.com
Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority
21 Bloomsbury Street
London WC1B 3HF
Website : www.hfea.gov.uk
The Healthcare Commission
Finsbury Tower
103-105 Bunhill Row
London EC1 8TG
Tel : 020 7448 9200
Website : www.healthcarecommission.org.uk |
