CoronaVirus
An important message from our family to yours:
In support of the Government’s efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19, we have taken the decision to limit the services we can provide at the moment.
We are following guidelines from the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) who have advised that patients who are considering or planning fertility treatment at the moment should avoid becoming pregnant at this time due to the uncertainties around the impact of Coronavirus.
Following these guidelines and advice from the government, Waterstone Clinic’s current policy is that:
- We are continuing to provide online consultations with our doctors
- We will continue providing counselling services online
- Our nurses will continue to perform emergency scans and early pregnancy scans for our fertility patients
- We will continue preparatory work with fertility patients
- We will not perform fresh or frozen embryo transfers
- We will not carry out OII, IUI or egg donation treatment
- Patients who are currently completing an IVF or ICSI treatment can continue to egg collection, on the understanding that all promising embryos will be frozen and stored. As this is a break from our usual protocol, we will waive the fee for freezing and storage of embryos for the first year or part thereof.
- Our staff are still available by phone and email to answer queries
We understand how this limit of services will be disappointing. Please be assured that we will be in contact with you individually to reschedule your appointments and treatments.
Our patient liaison team are working remotely answering phone calls and queries from emails. As fertility is time-sensitive, we would encourage patients considering treatment to contact us to discuss their situation so we can plan and carry out preparatory work for their care. Our clinical team is as always on hand to support you in any way we can. Consultations and counselling services will continue using an online platform. Our scientists are still taking care of all cryopreserved tissues and cells so please be assured that your embryos are still being monitored 24 hours a day.
We remain hopeful that this will be a short term measure and look forward to resuming service soon. We hope that you all stay safe and healthy.
Please do contact us with any queries or concerns on 0818 333 310 or email advice@waterstoneclinic.ie
From the Waterstone family, and all the team
ABOUT CORONAVIRUS
2019-nCoV (Coronavirus) has been designated a global health emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is one thousand times more contagious than flu, and 20 times more fatal. It has a long incubation period, and infected persons may not know they are carrying the virus.
At this time, there is no treatment for Coronavirus and there is no vaccine for the illness.
COVID-19 AND PREGNANCY
The information we have from the experience in China with regard to Coronavirus and pregnancy has been generally reassuring. The evidence suggests that the virus does not cross the placenta and infect the foetus before birth; therefore there should be no risk of causing birth abnormalities.
Pregnant women in China who have developed COVID 19 do not appear to have had a higher risk of death compared to non-pregnant women. There are no reports in China that infected pregnant women have had an increased risk of early miscarriage, but there are reports of premature delivery.
Although this is reassuring, the numbers of cases reported on are too small yet to be certain about risks. SARS (a more serious disease caused by a similar virus) in 2003 was very dangerous for pregnant women and often caused miscarriage.
ESHRE GUIDELINES
On 14 March 2020, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) issued a statement strongly suggesting that, in view of current uncertainty about risks in pregnancy, fertility clinics should temporarily suspend treatments which aim to achieve immediate pregnancy. ESHRE suggested that it would be wiser to freeze embryos or eggs resulting from IVF/ICSI, and not to carry out fresh embryo transfers. We at Waterstone Clinic, feel this recommendation is sensible and that patients who are hoping to become pregnant, either naturally or through treatment, should postpone trying for one month until things become clearer and we know more.
HOW CAN I REDUCE MY RISK OF CONTRACTING THE VIRUS?
Coronavirus spreads through droplets. It can be transmitted from person to person if you come into contact with an infected person who is coughing or sneezing near you, or if you touch surfaces that someone with the virus has coughed or sneezed upon (the virus can live on surfaces for days).
There are a number of practical tips for keeping safe from Coronavirus:
- follow the recommendations from the Chief Medical Officer and government about social distancing
- wash your hands properly (for 20 seconds and foaming a lather) and regularly
- avoid touching your face
- if available, use hand sanitiser
- use disinfectant wipes to regularly clean items you come into contact with often, such as your phone, desk phone, and door handles
- regularly clean off surfaces with alcohol-based disinfectants
- avoid shaking hands with others
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I DEVELOP ANY SYMPTOMS?
If you develop symptoms of coronavirus, avoid contact with people by self-isolating.
Phone your GP or emergency department (do not enter the GP or ED clinic). You will be put in contact with your local Department of Public Health staff who will give you information and advice.
More information is available on the HSE website https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/coronavirus.html
If you have any concerns or would like any further information or advice, please contact us on 0818 333 310 or advice@waterstoneclinic.ie