Homerton Healthcare Fertility Unit briefing – update following extension of license suspension

We are writing to update you that the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) confirmed on 2 May 2024 that the suspension of Homerton Healthcare Fertility Unit’s license to practice will remain in place while the investigations into the storage of embryos are still ongoing.

Along with the HFEA and NHS England, we are continuing to work to support Homerton to ensure that we implement any recommendations following the outcome of the investigations, which will ensure the service provided by the fertility unit is safe to reopen in the future.

Following discussions with individual patients, Homerton is transferring their treatment to alternative providers, where appropriate. This reallocation is working well and the alternative providers have not raised any capacity issues – we will continue to work with these providers to manage capacity across north east London and will endeavour to ensure all eligible patients receive treatment in a timely manner.

Please refer to this intranet article for more information, including a Q&A document that has guidance about new and existing referrals, eligibility criteria and semen analysis.