The Lister Fertility Clinic

We are delighted to say that HCA UK Laboratories have won three awards at the 2024 Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Awards.

🏆 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I)
🏆 Training & Development
🏆 Biomedical Science Champion

Commenting on our equality, diversity and inclusion approach, the IBMS credited HCA UK as a "a beacon for others to learn from.”

Congratulations to the HCA UK Labs team for the wins, and a huge thank you for playing such an active and engaged role in making HCA UK a great place to work and develop your career.

📸 HCA UK Labs Training Manager, Victoria Moyse and Head of Culture, Colleague Communications & Engagement, Mark Forrest, proudly accepting the awards from hosts, IBMS President, Joanna Andrew and Comedian, Author and Anaesthetist, Ed Patrick.

Explore our laboratories and scientists roles and join our award-winning team: https://ow.ly/7AcK50StxBG

Today we are proud to open the doors to our £18m, 20,000 sq ft state-of-the-art outpatient centre in the heart of Canary Wharf.

HCA Healthcare UK Canary Wharf Outpatients builds on our existing capability in the City and aims to meet the growing demand for fast access to high-quality private healthcare in convenient locations.

It offers access to an expert team of care, offering:

✅ GP appointments
✅ Health screening
✅ Consultant expertise across the breadth of medical specialties, from cardiac to orthopaedics
✅ Specialist clinics including men’s and women’s health services
✅ Imaging and diagnostics - including x-ray, MRI, ultrasound, specialist breast screening, and blood tests

Services reflect an increased focus on preventative health and early detection in corporate health, which often translates to better outcomes and shorter treatment episodes for patients, and faster returns to the health and productivity of teams.

Operated by London Bridge Hospital, HCA UK Canary Wharf offers seamless referrals into our wider network of hospitals and specialist clinics if onward care is needed.

Meet Bode, who had successful surgery aged 14 to correct adolescent scoliosis and was back playing sports and riding a horse in just a few months.

Bode had no idea she was developing an excessive curvature in her spine until a school friend spotted it when they were changing for PE at age 12. Her mum, Cassie, booked an appointment with HCA UK Consultant Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon Mr Jonathan Lucas, who told them her spinal curve was progressing very quickly. “He said that without surgery, it would start to really impact my chest and lung capacity in later life and may affect my ability to run around and play sports,” shares Bode.

Bode’s operation was scheduled at the renowned The Portland Hospital. The team successfully fitted Bode with one titanium and one cobalt chrome rod on either side of her spine held in place by 18 screws. “Comparing the before and after X-rays, they managed to make my spine perfectly straight which was incredible,” says Bode.

Her recovery was one of the fastest Mr Lucas has ever seen. Just two weeks after the surgery, Bode was back at school. She was playing volleyball again within a month, scuba diving in Santorini, and cantering a horse across a beach in the Dominican Republic within three months. “It was sooner than Mr Lucas advised, to be honest! But I felt so well that I just went for it.”

Despite studying for GCSEs, Bode now finds the time to reassure other young patients facing spinal surgery.

Find out more about how we treat scoliosis in adolescents: https://ow.ly/r1HP50SpPWN

Did you know there are over 24,000 people living with Myeloma in the UK, with 1 in 4 patients diagnosed under the age of 65. Today we're sharing Vanessa's story.

Vanessa was 38 years old when what started as persistent back pain, led her to specialists at HCA Healthcare UK, and resulted in an unexpected diagnosis of Myeloma.

Myeloma, also referred to as multiple myeloma is an incurable type of blood cancer. Over the years there have been many advancements in treatment and new breakthrough therapies continue to develop rapidly. This means that more people like Vanessa are living with Myeloma for longer than ever before.

Almost 14 years after her initial diagnosis Vanessa continues to receive her care at HCA Healthcare UK, under the expertise of Professor Kwee Yong. Last year she was one of the first patients in the UK to benefit from bispecific antibodies - a new type of immunotherapy.

Read Vanessa's story here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-stories/vanessas-story

❓Did you know it's reported that 1 in 3 people don't attend their cervical screening tests❓

Cervical screening helps detect high-risk HPV and early cell changes to prevent cervical cancer developing.

See below for three frequently asked questions about cervical screening.

Earlier this month some of the team from the Lister Fertility Clinic attended the My Surrogacy Journey Summer Conference in London.

It was a fantastic event with lots of interesting information, and it was great to see Michelle-Monae Owusu from Lister Fertility Clinic at The Portland Hospital.

We’re delighted with this fantastic review for the team at the Lister Fertility Clinic.

Our philosophy is to treat all patients with a potential to succeed. Drawing upon our experience of treating over 2,000 couples per year, our highly skilled team of doctors, nurses, embryologists and counsellors are committed to providing you with a holistic and considered approach to investigating and treating a wide spectrum of fertility problems, working relentlessly to deliver outstanding care.

Find out more about us on our website here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/the-lister-hospital/units-and-teams/lister-fertility-clinic

Meet Kriti Singh, an IT Product Manager from London, who faced a daunting challenge just months before her wedding. After a dance injury at her 30th birthday party in Varanasi, she was diagnosed with a full ACL rupture in her 'good' knee. With a history of knee issues and three surgeries already behind her, Kriti was understandably hesitant.

Thanks to the expertise of Mr. Simon Thompson at The Lister Hospital, Kriti underwent a successful ACL reconstruction and two corrective surgeries on her left knee. Remarkably, her recovery was swift and smooth, allowing her to walk, exercise, and even return to work within weeks.

“The recovery process was completely different to my previous experiences,” says Kriti. “There was no knee brace, I could weight bear, and there was hardly any pain. I was on my feet and in the gym within two weeks and back to work in just six weeks. I'm completely pain free now, which is a lovely surprise!”

Read Kriti’s full story of resilience and expert care, resulting in her walking down the aisle in January 2024, pain-free!
https://ow.ly/l3OV50SjOPv

Want to find out more about Egg Freezing?

Join Mr Timothy Bracewell-Milnes- Gynaecology and Fertility Consultant at The Lister Hospital and Lister Fertility Clinic - for a virtual event as he explains more about egg freezing and answers your questions.

Register here: https://email.hcahealthcare.co.uk/p/79Y2-8HU/thank-you-for-completing-the-hca-fertility-clinic-sign-up

"We are helping people to get better, which makes the role really fulfilling. It is rewarding to be part of one of the many teams that ensures the smooth running of a hospital and a first-class patient experience. Our people [at HCA UK] are one of our biggest assets! We have a lot of people who take so much pride in their work and go above and beyond."

Today we are shining a spotlight on our colleague Roma Arya, Head of Housekeeping.

Roma leads a team of over 400 people, responsible for ensuring the highest standards in the environments across our network of care.

Thank you, Roma and to all of our vital housekeeping colleagues for your dedication and hard work!

Learn more about Roma's career journey here: https://hcacareers.co.uk/life-at-hca/from-hotels-to-healthcare-romas-story/

Roma's Story Meet Roma, Head of Housekeeping, and find out more about the role our housekeeping teams play in delivering an exceptional patient experience.

It’s Men’s Health Week!

Male fertility issues are on the rise with concerning results revealing that younger men are nearly three times as likely to have fertility issues when compared to older generations.

It’s important to raise awareness of the rise in male fertility and s*xual health issues and hopefully by having open and honest discussions about misconceptions and taboos around male fertility issues, we can help empower individuals and couples to understand what can impact s*xual health and performance.

Find out more from Mr Tet Yap, Consultant Urologist and Andrologist at Lister Fertility Clinic here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/blogs/concerning-trend-in-a-rise-in-fertility-issues-across-the-uk

For the entire month of June, our hospitals will be illuminated in the vibrant colours of the Pride flag, symbolising our unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community.

We believe in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued. Our commitment to diversity and equality is reflected not only in our policies but also in our daily practices and interactions.

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈

Did you know at the Lister Fertility Clinic in Chelsea, we provide a free-of-charge, unique counselling service of ‘Open Door’ sessions to anyone going through treatments both before, during treatment and beyond. We believe this provides a level of patient support, which cannot be found in any other UK Fertility Clinic.

Our team of counsellors have a broad range of qualifications and experience providing a variety of choice.

Find out more on our website here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/our-services/specialties/fertility-and-reproductive-medicine/about-us/our-team

We are delighted that Lister Fertility Clinic are the UK Fertility Sponsors at The Modern Family Show 2024 in London on 28th September.

The Modern Family Show is an educational family-building event designed to safely guide and support the LGBTQ+ community to understand their options for building a family.

Tickets are on sale now - find out more here: https://www.themodernfamilyshow.com/

❔ Did you know that up to 50% of people in the UK with atrial fibrillation arrhythmias are undiagnosed, or that between six and eight million people are living with undiagnosed or uncontrolled high blood pressure?

Many heart conditions go undiagnosed which, if left unchecked, could cause serious health issues. That's why we have launched the HCA UK Heart Health Check, available across our 15 centres of cardiac care.

This comprehensive and personalised set of tests administered under the care of one of our leading cardiologists, empowers patients to gain a deeper understanding of their heart health, discuss any risks, and take proactive steps toward a healthier future.

As the leading independent provider of cardiac care, treating more patients than any other provider in the sector, we are ensuring that patients have fast access to a high quality and expert overview of their heart health.

The HCA UK Heart Health Check includes:
✅ 35 different lab tests, including specialty heart risk biomarkers
✅ An echocardiogram to assess the heart's structure and function
✅ An ECG to check for an abnormal rhythm (arrhythmia)
✅ A score to assess your future heart and stroke risk

All tests are performed in a single appointment. To find out more visit: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/heart-health-check

Today is and we’re proud of the vital role our biomedical scientists and laboratory colleagues play in providing exceptional patient care.

Thank you for all that you do!

A fantastic review for Mr Timothy Bracewell-Milnes, Gynaecology and Fertility Consultant at Lister Fertility Clinic.

We’ve helped thousands of people become parents, with more than 21,000 babies born following IVF treatment at the Lister Fertility Clinic.

To find out more, visit our website here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/our-services/treatments/in-vitro-fertilisation-ivf

Wishing everyone a Happy Pride Month!

At Lister Fertility Clinic we pride ourselves on being an inclusive clinic and have been successfully helping same s*x couples start a family through free IVF with egg sharing, IVF, egg freezing, and egg donation for over 30 years.

We are proud to partner with LGBT Mummies and Twodads.u.k so that we can continue to listen to the needs of the LGBTQ community and ensure that our clinic is a safe and inclusive space.

Find out more about our fertility services on our website here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/the-lister-hospital/units-and-teams/lister-fertility-clinic

Open House Event at The Lister Hospital - Wednesday 5th June 6.00pm - 7.00pm.

Join Mr Benjamin Jones Consultant Gynaecologist & Fertility Specialist at The Lister Hospital and Lister Fertility Clinic - for an Open House Event as he explains more our surrogacy and egg donation programmes.

Register here: https://email.hcahealthcare.co.uk/p/79Y2-8HU/thank-you-for-completing-the-hca-fertility-clinic-sign-up

Giving birth is one of life's most significant events, and at HCA UK's The Portland Hospital, the only wholly private hospital in the country dedicated to the care of women and children, we always aim to provide access to empowered choice.

This is a choice guided by clinical expertise from our leading obstetrics consultants and experienced, compassionate midwifery and nursing teams. It's a choice with the backup of neonatal intensive care and critical care should mum or baby need it, and it's a choice underpinned by the consistency of care.

Thanks to Shazia Malik for capturing our ethos so eloquently in her conversation with The Independent about the choice to have a caesarean.

Read the full article here: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/c-section-doctor-caesarean-doctor-b2547901.html

Last month the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE) published their latest statistics revealing the busiest centres for complex and major endometriosis surgery in the UK.

We are proud to be the UK's largest independent provider of specialist endometriosis care with 4 accredited endometriosis centres at London Bridge Hospital, The Princess Grace Hospital and The Lister Hospital.

For many women, getting a diagnosis of endometriosis can be a long process, and that's why we have ensured that across our network of health, our patients can access the nation's leading experts in the condition.

We want to give a huge thank you to our specialist teams for your expertise and the positive impact you are making in women’s lives.

You can find out more about our specialist endometriosis care here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/our-services/conditions/endometriosis

📸 Leading endometriosis consultant Shaheen Khazali at one of The Lister Hospital's outpatient clinics in the Battersea/Nine Elms area of London.

Want to find out more about IVF & Infertility at Lister Fertility Clinic?

Join Mr Gavin Kemball, Consultant Gynaecologist at The Lister Hospital and Lister Fertility Clinic for an online webinar on Tuesday 28th May, 6:00pm - 7:00pm.

Mr Kemball will explain more about IVF & Infertility at Lister Fertility Clinic and will answer your questions.

Register here: https://email.hcahealthcare.co.uk/p/79Y2-8HU/thank-you-for-completing-the-hca-fertility-clinic-sign-up

Some of our surrogacy team from the Lister Fertility Clinic attended The Surrogacy Network event last week with My Surrogacy Journey .

A fantastic opportunity to network with others within the fertility world, and ahead of Pride Month there was a presentation from Katie Neeves on how to be a better ally in the community.

At the Lister Fertility Clinic, you’ll find a dedicated egg donation programme that’s one of the longest running and most successful in the UK.

Many people come to the decision to use donor eggs after a long fertility journey and failed treatment cycles. That can cause a big emotional strain.

Our dedicated egg donation team are here to help with continuity of care in a warm and welcoming environment with expert treatment and ongoing support.

To make sure you’re as prepared as possible before your consultation, our specialists have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about using an egg donor.

Visit our website here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/our-services/treatments/using-donor-eggs

Meet Judith, a retired physiotherapist and artist, who endured knee pain since her forties. At 80, she decided to find a solution.

“For decades, I had patellofemoral pain. My GP recommended anti-inflammatories, so I just carried on. As a physiotherapist, I knew staying active was crucial. I designed gardens, took up acrylic painting, and enjoyed hill walking,” Judith shares.

After moving to Wales, her knee pain worsened. “Eight years ago, I saw an orthopaedic surgeon who gave me patella injections every six months. They were marvellous but temporary. The pandemic halted the injections, leaving me without treatment for four years.”

Back in London, Judith faced increased pain and opted for a knee replacement. Referred to Mr. Thompson at The Lister Hospital, she felt confident about the innovative patient-specific joint he recommended.

Judith recalls, “The Lister Hospital staff were friendly and professional. The surgery and spinal anaesthetic were seamless. After one night, I was discharged. My recovery has been incredible – walking without aids after a week and two miles daily after six weeks.”

Now, Judith enjoys a full range of movement and follows a physiotherapy program. “I do more than the average person, strengthening my knee, back, core, and other leg.”

What’s next for Judith? “Everything London has to offer, starting with the art galleries!”

Read Judith's full story here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-stories/decades-of-knee-pain-judiths-story

Some of the team from the Lister Fertility Clinic were exhibitors at the Fertility Show at the weekend. The show was a fantastic opportunity to chat with people about their fertility options/

Mr James Nicopoullos - Clinical Director at Lister Fertility Clinic - presented a keynote: “A Beginners Guide to IVF,” and Mr Timothy Bracewell-Milnes - Gynaecology and Fertility Consultant at Lister Fertility Clinic also gave a presentation: “Fertility Preservation - All You Need to Know About Egg Freezing.”

Photo credits: Jaya Parikh & Diana Barahona

Open House Event at The Lister Hospital - Wednesday 22nd May 6.00pm - 7.00pm.

Join Dr Shabana Bora - Consultant Gynaecologist at The Lister Hospital and Lister Fertility Clinic - for an Open House Event as she explains more about Being an Egg Donor or Sharer and gives a tour of the lab.

Register here: https://email.hcahealthcare.co.uk/p/79Y2-8HU/thank-you-for-completing-the-hca-fertility-clinic-sign-up

When it comes to your heart, you need the best treatment possible, as soon as possible.

We treat more cardiac patients than any other UK private healthcare provider, in state-of-the-art facilities, with dedicated experienced teams.

Learn more about our expert cardiac care here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/our-services/specialties/cardiac-care

Husband and wife Paul and Christine share their melanoma diagnosis and care they received at The Christie Private Care, highlighting the importance of early detection and sun safety.

Paul noticed a small spot on his arm before a routine checkup, leading to a melanoma diagnosis. Christine's vigilance after Paul's diagnosis led to her own melanoma discovery. Both swiftly sought care at The Christie Private Care, where they received prompt, specialist treatment.

Their advice? Don't rely on the internet for diagnosis; see a doctor if you notice changes on your skin. Christine says “If you are worried about something on your skin do not rely on the internet to diagnose you. If you've got a lesion or a spot that's suddenly appeared, or it's changing, you must see a doctor."

Paul adds, "Times have changed and that's positive but there needs to be even more awareness of the damage that we’re doing to ourselves. Wear hats, cover up, use sunscreen. There are so many ways you can prevent that damage happening in the first place."

Read Paul and Christine’s full story here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-stories/an-unexpected-melanoma-diagnosis-for-husband-and-wife

The Fertility Show is taking place this weekend at Olympia, London.

Mr James Nicopoullos - Clinical Director at Lister Fertility Clinic - will be presenting a keynote: “A Beginners Guide to IVF”. This will help you choose the right clinic, and make sure the treatment is the right one for you and that you feel comfortable about your decisions.

Mr Timothy Bracewell-Milnes - Gynaecology and Fertility Consultant at Lister Fertility Clinic will also be giving a presentation: “Fertility Preservation - All You Need to Know About Egg Freezing.” He will help you understand the process in detail, success rates, and find out more about taking control of your reproductive future.

Theres still time to get 25% off your tickets* – quote EX25 at checkout here: www.eventbrite.com/e/776279993357/?discount=EX25

*T&Cs: Valid on advance general admission tickets only. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Ends 19.05.2024.

It’s .

We recognise how difficult it can be to cope with the emotional and psychological distress experienced routinely during fertility treatment, which at times can feel overwhelming. Being able to talk about this and considering coping strategies can help patients to manage better as they navigate their way through their individual fertility journey.

Find out more about our fertility counselling services here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/our-services/specialties/fertility-and-reproductive-medicine/about-us/our-team

On we want to say a huge thank you to our incredible nursing team. We are inspired by your expertise, kindness, compassion and dedication to exceptional patient care.

On we want to say a huge thank you to our incredible nursing team. We are inspired by your expertise, kindness, compassion and dedication to exceptional patient care.

This week, in recognition of both International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day, we've been celebrating our incredible nurses and midwives across HCA UK.

As part of our celebrations, we hosted a special event at the Royal Society of Medicine bringing together colleagues to reflect on our shared achievements, look to the road ahead and of course, say a huge 'thank you' for the care they provide to our patients.

“Nurses and midwives, show up; they come together as a team, and they support each other to achieve incredible things. I am proud to be a member of this community and I am constantly inspired by the meaningful contribution our nurses and midwives make, and by the expertise and the kindness and compassion they show every day.”

Carol Kefford OBE, Chief Nursing Executive

So here's to all of our incredible nurses and midwives - thank you for your dedication to exceptional patient care.

📸 A few images from our event at the Royal Society of Medicine!

As record numbers sign up for the 2025 London Marathon, Dr. Robin Chatterjee, Consultant in Musculoskeletal, Sport & Exercise Medicine at, Chelsea and Chiswick Outpatients Centres, and the The ISEH - Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, all part of HCA Healthcare UK, discusses how a sudden enthusiasm for running has led to a spike in conditions like tendonitis and shin splints. 🏃‍♀️

To combat these injuries, Dr. Chatterjee advocates for a holistic approach to treatment, considering factors such as weight, nutrition, sleep, physical activity, mental health, gynaecological factors, family history, and medication. This comprehensive approach aims to address underlying issues and tailor treatment plans to individual needs. "I look at the whole person, including any lifestyle or medical factors that brought upon this pain. At least half of my patients are actually experiencing a non-musculoskeletal issue manifesting in physical pain and injury, so we explore lots of different areas. It’s a very holistic approach."

For certain patients, this could involve addressing an underlying medical condition contributing to foot and ankle pain. Alternatively, it might entail modifying the training routine to alleviate strain on bones, tendons, and ligaments, opting for footwear with better support, achieving a healthier balance between exercise and rest, or addressing emotional concerns.

Before embarking on a running regimen, it's advisable to seek guidance from a sports medicine specialist or physiotherapist to ensure a safe and sustainable approach.

Read more about Dr. Robin Chatterjee’s holistic approach to treating running injuries here: https://lnkd.in/eKaipTqw

Meet Sally Rowe, Critical Care Matron at The Harley Street Clinic. Sally has over 34 years of experience providing care in an Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) setting. Here she explains more about her role and her advice for those considering a career in ITU nursing…

As a bedside nurse and shift leader, having the knowledge, skills, and experience to support patients who need the highest levels of care is essential. So too is being able to offer support and clear communication to their friends and family.

"I am guided by a mantra of care, compassion, and dignity, it’s so important for me that I care for patients in the way I would hope to be cared for if I were in their situation. I feel hugely privileged to work with such a dedicated and expert team of colleagues at The Harley Street Clinic. We really do support each other to provide the best care that we can, and we do it with comradery and mutual respect."

For those considering a career in an ITU Sally recommends gaining at least a year of experience on general wards for a better patient journey perspective and to also be prepared for challenging but fulfilling experience;

“When I first embarked on my ITU career I was in awe of how skilled and knowledgeable the ICU nursing team was, and I never thought I could get to that level. It was a steep learning curve but very rewarding.”

Huge thanks to Sally for sharing her experience, and to the over 200 specialist ITU colleagues we have across our hospitals.

Find out more about careers with us in ITU here: https://hcacareers.co.uk/

Open House Event at The Lister Hospital - Thursday 9th May 6.00pm - 7.00pm.

Join Mr Timothy Bracewell-Milnes- Gynaecology and Fertility Consultant at The Lister Hospital and Lister Fertility Clinic - for an Open House Event as he explains more about egg freezing and gives a tour of the lab.

Register here: https://email.hcahealthcare.co.uk/p/79Y2-8HU/thank-you-for-completing-the-hca-fertility-clinic-sign-up

At Lister Fertility Clinic, we work as a team to provide you with the best possible chance to succeed. One of the ways our doctors do this is by meeting to discuss options, ensuring that we explore all treatments available for our patients.

Find out more about our team here: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/facilities/the-lister-hospital/units-and-teams/lister-fertility-clinic/our-team-in-chelsea