Dr David Polson

Medical Director

MD FRCOG

David Polson is Manchester Fertility’s Medical Director. A Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist specialising in infertility and assisted conception. He joined the team in 1990 and is one of the lead consultants advising and guiding patients on their treatment choices.

Specialising in ovulatory disorders including Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and early pregnancy issues including recurrent miscarriage, he has global experience in the field of infertility, having worked in Australia under IVF pioneer Professor Carl Wood, at what was then the second biggest fertility unit in the world.

As Medical Director, his focus is ensuring that patients receive the best individualised care from Manchester Fertility’s expert, supportive team.

David says: “So many clinics are governed by policy, but we are very mindful that treatment is for you, our patient. We listen to our patients – you will have your own, personal outlook on what you want, and as a team with various areas of expertise in infertility, we all have input into your treatment recommendations.

“Our service is about your whole care, looking forward to the birth of your baby. It’s not just about getting you pregnant, but about your health, and that of your baby, throughout. We provide you with full support from when you join our family as our patient, to when you leave as a parent. This is the most gratifying part, and we will always work together to do our best for you.”

View blog posts by Dr David Polson

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Dr Anamika Rao

Fertility Consultant

MD MRCOG

Anamika completed her Obstetrics and Gynaecology training both in India and the UK, and has been a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists since 2005.

She has special interest in recurrent embryo implantation failure and miscarriage.

Anamika says: “There is nothing more rewarding than helping patients have a baby, it’s so important to always be realistic about the chances of success, especially if there’s a history of previous failed treatments or miscarriage. By adopting a personalised and individual approach, combined with the right treatment plan, we can maximise these chances.”

View blog posts by Dr Anamika Rao

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Dr Peter Kerecsenyi

Fertility Consultant

MD EBCOG

Peter joined the Manchester Fertility team in 2009. He undertakes consultations and performs all the related investigations and therapies.

“I was always thrilled to find ways to improve the quality of clinical care and patient experience. Here at Manchester Fertility, everybody has the same dedication. During my work the greatest challenge, and also reward, is to understand the unique and individual fertility story of each and every patient. I think this is the key to a good partnership and of the success during this amazing journey.”

Peter is also working as Consultant Gynaecologist at CareUK Greater Manchester NHS CATS. He qualified in 2000 in Hungary and gained his EBCOG recognized specialisation Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 2005. He has good experience in both obstetrics and gynaecology. He enjoyed research fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology in Oulu University Hospital, Finland. He gained subspecialisation in Clinical Genetics. He is a member of the British Fertility Society and diplomat of RCOG Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (DFSRH).

View blog posts by Dr Peter Kerecsenyi

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Dr Raj Mathur

Consultant Gynaecologist and Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery

MD FRCOG

Dr Raj Mathur is one of our Consultant Gynaecologists and joins our clinical team following a long-established career in Reproductive Medicine.

He has unique understanding of the individual needs of both private and NHS patients, as the creator of Cambridge IVF clinic, which he established in the region before moving to Manchester in 2014.

Well published in the field of infertility on reducing the risks associated with treatment, he has specific expertise on Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome and is the author of national guidelines relating to the condition. Dr Mathur is also external advisor to the HFEA and is lead for Policy and Practice for the British Fertility Society.

“Manchester Fertility is a highly patient-focused, yet cutting-edge clinic,” says Dr Mathur, who is a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

“I’m looking forward to working with the team to deliver effective and safe fertility care to everyone who needs our help.”

View blog posts by Dr Raj Mathur

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Dr Muhammad Akhtar

Consultant Gynaecologist and Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery

MD MRCOG

A highly experienced Consultant Gynaecologist and an accredited sub-specialist in reproductive medicine, Muhammad specialises in male infertility, andrology and 3D gynaecological scanning.

Qualifying in Lahore, Pakistan, Muhammad completed his medical doctor (MD) at the University of Warwick and carried out further Obstetrics and Gynaecology speciality training at the Mersey Deanery.

He is heavily involved in systematic reviews including Cochrane reviews and randomised controlled trials, with many internationally-published research papers and textbook chapters.

Muhammad is also an instructor for the British Fertility Society special skill modules and is a Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RCOG) course facilitator and joins us from St. Mary's NHS Hospital, Manchester.

Muhammad says: “With my special interests in male reproductive health and infertility, I am looking forward to providing Manchester Fertility patients with expert advice and treatment to help them become parents.”

View blog posts by Dr Muhammad Akhtar

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Mr Steve Bromage

Consultant Urological Surgeon and Subspecialist in Urological Cancer and Renal Disease

As a urological surgeon, Steve is the consultant you may see if you have male fertility issues. He performs Surgical Sperm Retrieval and is highly-skilled in microscopic surgery to ensure the best chance of success for intricate procedures such as vasectomy reversal.

A member of the British Fertility Society and a reviewer for the International Journal of Andrology, Steve is heavily involved in male fertility research with many published articles in this field. He also teaches and lectures medical students and other health professionals, through his certificate of Medical Education from Dundee University.

Steve says: “Male infertility is a specialist interest of mine. There’s so much we can do these days to try to ensure your own sperm can be used in treatment. It’s so rewarding to be able to help those men who are having difficulty conceiving, sometimes conventional treatment isn’t enough on its own and procedures are needed for maximum chance of success.”

View blog posts by Mr Steve Bromage

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Dr Ian Ellis

Consultant Clinical Geneticist

Ian is our clinical geneticist. He has over 20 years of expertise in his field, at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, and specialises in fertility-related genetics and the development of genetic screening programmes.

You would see Ian if you, or close family members have a potentially inherited condition that seems to be clustered in your family, or something that might affect your fertility, or if there might be a risk of a disorder being passed onto children that you may have.

Ian aims to reassure those who need to see him, by ensuring his patients not only have access to all the information they need, but that that this is explained in an easy to understand way.

He says: “Being referred for genetic advice can be very worrying, but our aim is to reassure you and put you at ease. Whatever your circumstances, you’ll always be well informed about your options so that you’re empowered to make decisions, with full support from a team that understands your unique needs. What’s important is knowing and understanding what you are facing, so that together we can plan the best course of action.”

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Nick Wisley

Consultant Anaesthetist

MBChB, FRCA

A long-standing member of our clinic team, Nick has supported and reassured our patients in theatre for over 10 years.

Also a Consultant Anaesthetist at the University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust and an honorary lecturer at the University of Manchester, Nick qualified in Edinburgh and undertook anaesthetist training in Scotland, New Zealand and Manchester.

With special interest in pre-operative assessment, his skills in the field of anaesthesia mean you’re only in the safest of hands when you need procedures at our clinic to have your baby.

Nick says: “I love the team at Manchester Fertility. Through our state-of-the-art clinic and patient-focused approach, we give people in all circumstances the chance to have the family they never thought possible.”

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Simon Maguire

Consultant Anaesthetist

MBChB, FRCA

Simon is a member of our anaesthetist team and prepares you for any procedures needed for your fertility treatment, including IVF egg recovery or surgical techniques for male infertility.

Trained in both the UK and New Zealand and with many years of expertise, Simon helps to train junior anaesthetic doctors across the North West, and is academic advisor for medical students at the University of Manchester.

As well as making our patients comfortable and safe in our theatre, Simon also works as a Consultant Anaesthetist at the University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust and The Christie Hospital.

Simon says: “I love working in the field of fertility treatment. It’s a real privilege to help bring new life into the world for our patients whilst putting their needs and care at the forefront of everything we do.”

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Dan Mallaber

Consultant Obstetric Anaesthetist

MBChB, FRCA

With special interest across the field of anaesthesia including obstetric anaesthetic and major gynaecology surgery, Dan is highly skilled in sedation for fertility procedures.

In addition to looking after our patients in our clinic theatre, he also runs the obstetric teaching programme at St Mary’s Hospital for Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. His research includes the use of exercise testing to help manage high-risk pregnancies in women with cardiac disease.

Dan says: “Working at Manchester Fertility is a natural extension of my work in obstetric anaesthesia in the NHS. I really enjoy being part of such a great team who are so dedicated to helping people realise their dream of a family.”

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Sister Samantha Potts

Fertility Nurse Team Leader

RGN/RM

Samantha has always had an interest in women’s health, after time spent as a Registered Nurse and then a midwife she undertook specialist assisted conception training and later qualified in ultrasound. She joined our team in 1997. More recently she has become involved in the recruiting of egg donors and organising treatments on the growing egg donation programme. Samantha says: “I’ve spent the vast majority of my career looking after the health needs of women and needing help to conceive is perhaps the biggest issue facing many women today. What’s important is that you don’t wait to seek help. Don’t be worried and afraid – we’re a friendly team and will help you through each and every step.”

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Karen Arnold

Senior Fertility Nurse

Karen joined Manchester Fertility originally in 2001 after returning from Australia where she worked as a midwife within a private hospital.

In 2006 Karen left to pursue research in reproductive medicine . Following this year of research Karen then resumed back into clinical practice and remained within the IVF unit at St Mary`s Hospital in Manchester where she performed embryo transfers and completed a ultrasound scanning course, before rejoining the team at Manchester Fertility.

Karen says: "It's always been of paramount importance to give every patient we treat individualised care, and to try to make their journey through treatment as smooth as possible. Our caring and compassionate team has such considerable expertise and knowledge, we're all focused on achieving the best outcome for you."

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Paula Lynch

Senior Fertility Nurse

With a long career history in fertility care at units and clinics in Ireland, Essex and London, Paula works with all our patients at Manchester Fertility, helping them through various stages of treatment.

She has vast experience in overseeing fertility nursing teams, egg donation and surrogacy and likes to keep abreast of the latest develpoments in the field through HFEA and nursing forums.

Paula says: "It's always a privilege getting to know the many different people who come to us for help. Everyone's circumstances are different but as a fertility nurse I'm here to give support wherever it's needed, as we all work towards the goal of creating a family."

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Claire Panek

Fertility Nurse

Claire has a diverse nursing background spanning over 20 years, not only at some of the UK’s top public and private hospitals including Guy & St Thomas’s in London, Harley Street clinic and Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, but also across the world in Sydney, Australia. 

Highly specialised in the field of recovery nursing and assisting women through complex procedures, she manages our day ward unit at the clinic. She ensures patients are safely and comfortably looked after from admission to discharge for egg recovery, delivering the highest standards of nursing care. 

Claire says: “I’m very passionate that patients have the best nursing care possible. Procedures can be daunting for patients, providing reassurance, comfort and empathy is imperative for everyone we see. I always aim to provide a friendly and warm environment on the ward so you feel at ease.”

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Holly Kowalski

Fertility Nurse

Holly is is a qualified, registered general nurse with a background in healthcare working in many different specialities including gynaecology. Holly ensures our patients receive only the best care when undergoing theatre procedures and helps our patients feel at ease when attending our clinic for treatment.

Holly says: “I’m excited to be able to work within this very special field of nursing, with a dedicated and friendly team that have consistently high standards of care. I will be your advocate when you start your journey with us, here to support you at every stage so you know exactly what is happening and when."

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Louise Barrett

Fertility Nurse

Louise is part of the nursing team which supports you throughout your treatment, from your first consultation to your pregnancy scan.

Involved in all aspects of your care, Louise also performs your blood tests, ultrasound scans and injection teaching, to ensure you can self-administer any fertility drugs you need with confidence.

Louise has vast expertise in the field of nursing which has seen her at the forefront of patient care across the globe. Her experience ranges from acute surgical and Intensive Therapy wards in the NHS to the ER in San Diego.

Her specialist interest in fertility nursing began when she became Director of Nursing at a fertility clinic in Lagos, Nigeria, which then saw her work at clinics in both London and the North West.

Louise says: “I’m very much looking forward to using my expertise to help our patients achieve their dream of a family. My advice if you’re just starting out and researching where to have treatment, is to always look for a clinic where the team excels – not just in their skills but in their compassion and focus on always putting patients first.” 

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Lynsey Moorhead

Fertility Support Midwife

Lynsey supports you on your journey to getting pregnant and throughout early pregnancy. She also assists pregnant women who come to us privately for a Harmony non-invasive prenatal test.

With 11 years working across all areas of midwifery, most recently working within the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre as the Lead Midwife for the Preterm Labour Clinic at St Mary’s, she will guide you through early pregnancy stages for scans and blood tests. Lynsey also supports patients at the initial treatment phase of egg retrieval and embryo replacement.

She says: “My dedicated early pregnancy support bridges the gap from when you complete your fertility treatment to starting your maternity care. I’m very much looking forward to helping people as they start this very exciting, next phase of their journey to a family.” 

View blog posts by Lynsey Moorhead

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Angela Darlington

Operating Department Practitioner

As an Operating Department Practitioner, Angela takes care of you when you’re in our clinic theatre.

She’s highly focused on ensuring the optimum level of care for patients. This is following a long and established career in the operating theatre environment within the NHS, which included caring for patients during minor procedures through to major gynaecological surgery.

She will look after you whilst you undergo mild sedation for recovery of your eggs for your IVF cycle.

Angela says: “Undergoing any type of procedure can be a cause of anxiety, but my aim is to make the experience as stress-free and straightforward as possible, so patients feel reassured and taken care of at every stage.”

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Debra Morris-Lewis

Senior Healthcare Assistant

Debra joined our team in January 2013 and has many years’ experience working as a healthcare assistant and phlebotomist in hospital environments. She is more than likely to be one of the first members of our nursing team who will greet you on a daily basis at prep appointments or to take your blood.

You may also see Debra in theatre when you attend for your treatment where she assists with egg recovery and IUI requests where she will always offer you a friendly smile to make you feel comfortable.

Debra says “I thoroughly enjoy meeting patients on a daily basis and putting them at their ease as for some, having a simple blood test can be quite traumatic. Being able to help patient’s through this part of their treatment and to know I have assisted in alleviating any fears and turning this into a relatively positive experience, gives me great job satisfaction. I enjoy my job very much, learning is constant and the knowledge I have gained is invaluable to supporting patients.”

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Gemma Murphy

Healthcare Assistant

Before joining our team Gemma spent several years working with inpatients at the Priory Hospital in Cheadle. Her many years of senior experience, not only in the day to day role of a HCA but also supporting and encouraging patients, has given her a fantastic basis to work in the field of infertility.

As a Healthcare Assistant in the clinic Gemma helps with blood testing, theatre procedures, post-procedure recovery and administration. 

Gemma says: “I’m here to help put you at ease, when you’re anxious or uneasy. From the moment you walk through the door for your initial consultation to seeing you again with your own baby, even if I am only a tiny part of your journey I consider myself very lucky and privileged to be part of the team supporting you through it.”

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Telia Miller

Healthcare Assistant

Telia is one of our Healthcare Assistants in the clinic helping with blood testing, theatre procedures, post-procedure recovery and administration

With many years expertise in early pregnancy and gynaecology ward care at The University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, and special interest in women’s health, Telia reassures and supports our patients when they need it most.

Telia says: “Every person we see is unique and my aim is to always give them the personal support they need as they progress through their treatment journey. Helping individuals and couples overcome fertility problems is very rewarding, and I’m looking forward to being part of a team that’s so patient focused, welcoming and friendly.”

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Stephanie Buckley

Ultrasonographer

PGDip DCR(R)

Stephanie worked as a radiographer initially and then qualified as a sonographer in 2002. She previously worked for 13 years at Wythenshawe Hospital and has worked at Manchester Fertility since qualifying. Stephanie’s role here involves performing a patient's initial baseline scan, following them through treatment cycles and if successful then a positive viability scan. Her role here also involves training of other medical personnel in ultrasound.

Stephanie says “I have great compassion for the patients going through treatment and it is very rewarding to see them at the finish, hopefully with good news”.

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Anne Hurleston

Ultrasonographer

As a qualified sonographer Anne has spent many years working in hospitals and clinics across our region in the field of obstetrics, gynaecology and general medical ultrasound.

You will see Anne for your pre-treatment baseline scans, for monitoring during treatment and for your confirmation pregnancy scan at around 7 weeks.

Anne says: “The favourite part of my job is when we have good news from the early pregnancy scan, it’s such a privilege to be able to share that moment. I support patients at the very start of their journey and during their treatment monitoring scans; ensuring the scan is explained, so patients feel relaxed and reassured.”

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Becky Chambers

Ultrasonographer

With qualifications in Diagnostic Radiography, Medical Ultrasound and Diagnostic Imaging, Becky enjoys the different fields that sonography offers.

She has worked at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust and combines her role at Manchester Fertility with her work for Northern Medical, a private ultrasound company.

Her special interests include systematic review on 3D transvaginal ultrasound of adenomyosis – a condition where the inner endometrial tissue of the uterus grows into the uterine wall.

Becky says: “As an ultrasonographer I’m part of something great – the journey of patients bringing new life into the world. I truly love helping people and get great satisfaction and fulfilment from my job.”

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Dr Debbie Falconer

Lead Embryologist / Managing Director (Joint)

BSC (Hons), PhD

Debbie is our Principal Embryologist and has worked in embryology for over 30 years. The Embryology Laboratory is where your baby’s life begins and where the actual IVF and ICSI procedures are carried out. Debbie is one of the founding members of the team at Manchester Fertility, having worked here since we first opened in 1986. She was a key member of the team who welcomed our very first IVF baby, Philip Hood, born in April 1987. Since then, the Embryology team’s expertise has helped create over 3,000 more babies, using the latest technologies and medical advances to ensure that we remain at the forefront of infertility treatments in the UK.

Debbie says: “The fact that I’ve been here since the very beginning has given me a unique view of infertility causes and its treatments. Over the years treatment advances have achieved so much for so many people. It’s an exciting future, and we never stand still – we’re constantly researching new methods and ways of overcoming infertility.”

Debbie is a Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Manchester and her major research interest is in developing methods for improving the selection of high quality embryos. 

View blog posts by Dr Debbie Falconer

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Claire Kay

Embryology Team Leader

BSc (Hons)

Claire first joined Manchester Fertility in 2005. She gained the Certificate in Clinical Embryology in 2010 and achieved State Registration as a Clinical Scientist in 2012. She’s one of the team members who performs ICSI – which involves injecting a single, healthy sperm into an egg to fertilise it, rather than mixing sperm and egg together as in standard IVF.

Claire says: “It’s so amazing to see the very moment the sperm is injected – and then when we find out it’s been successful and there’s a baby on the way, it’s such an incredible feeling for all of us.”

View blog posts by Claire Kay

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Alan Birks

Senior Embryologist/ Facilities Manager

BSc (Hons)

Alan is a Senior Embryologist and joined us in 1992. As part of the Embryology team Alan is responsible for egg collection, sperm preparation for treatment and also assesses embryo quality to decide if an embryo is suitable for transfer or freezing.

Alan says: “I feel very privileged to be sharing in what is such a personal experience. Our goal is always to give you the very best treatment, for your needs, which gives you the very best chance of having a baby.”

Alan is also responsible for quality management within the laboratory, ensuring ongoing administration and checking of results to maintain our high standards of service and care.

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Keith McEvoy

Senior Embryologist

Before joining our laboratory team Keith spent over seven years as a clinical embryologist at St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester.

With a Master’s Degree in Assisted Reproductive Technology, Keith is fully experienced in the specialised techniques that ensure sperm, eggs and embryos are cultured in the best possible way for optimum quality for treatment success.

He has special interest in embryo selection techniques, and new ways of assessing embryo quality.

Keith says: “Embryo selection is a crucial part of the treatment process and by keeping abreast of the latest technologies, we can ensure that only those embryos with the highest potential for pregnancy are selected for transfer.”

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Alison Jose

Embryologist

Alison is a familiar member of our embryology team, having trained with us when we first opened in 1986. Since then she has worked across many different IVF units both in the UK and abroad, broadening her skills and experience as a Senior Embryologist and a Locum. Her role involves collecting eggs, preparing sperm and transferring embryos.

She says: “I love to be part of a great team and am delighted to rejoin Manchester Fertility at such an exciting time. I would advise anyone embarking on this journey to keep positive and look after themselves. It’s so important to be as healthy as possible, so you can give yourself the best chance of success.”

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Lydia Ruddick

Embryologist

With qualifications in Genetics and Assisted Reproduction Technology, Lydia trained to be a Clinical Embryologist in Birmingham.

With research experience in early embryo development at the French National Research Institute, and clinical practice observation in Australia, she brings her wide-ranging expertise to Manchester Fertility to help give you the best chance of a baby.

Lydia says: “I love working in a field where our work has such significance. It’s a real privilege to take care of embryos, keeping our patients informed of their development and helping to create families with our cutting edge facilities and treatment options.”

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Sarah Al-Jazary

Trainee Embryologist

Sarah joined Manchester Fertility in 2013 following two years at a London fertility clinic and a completed Master of Medical Science qualification in Assisted Reproduction Techniques from the University of Nottingham.

She says: “Manchester Fertility has such a patient-focused environment, I’m looking forward to being part of the team, helping couples benefit from the latest breakthroughs in assisted reproduction and advising potential patients how we can help them.”

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Rowan Watson

Reproductive Technologist

Rowan is part of our laboratory team and works with our Andrology and Embryology teams to help set up and prepare IVF and ICSI treatments and semen analysis procedures.

A graduate in Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rowan worked as a Medical Laboratory Assistant for Public Health Wales and the NHS before joining Manchester Fertility.

Rowan says: “I’m really excited to see the first baby whose journey I’ve been a part of, and to see all the stages in creating a new life. Our work is literally the very beginning of a new family and it’s just an amazing privilege to be part of it.”

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Samantha Slack

Donor Programme Team Leader

Samantha Slack heads up our dedicated egg and sperm donor team, which manages all the processes for our donors and for our patients who use donated eggs or sperm.

Her considerable organisational skills from a background in team management enables her to effectively plan and streamline your treatment processes so that your experience with us, as a donor or a patient, is efficient and to the very highest standards.

Samantha liaises with our entire clinic team to manage your journey, and will be one of the people you will speak to if you need to use donor sperm or donor eggs as part of your treatment. You’ll also be in touch with her if you are a sperm or egg donor with us.

Samantha says: “It's my aim to make your treatment as stress-free as possible, and with the help of the team will be coordinating everything for you and keeping you informed, so you can concentrate on preparing for your new family.”

View blog posts by Samantha Slack

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Joanne Adams

Senior Andrologist/ Sperm Donor Bank Manager

BSc (Hons)

Joanne Adams has been our Senior Andrologist since 2004. As an andrologist she specialises in the treatment of sperm disorders. If you suffer from male infertility Joanne will be able to pinpoint exactly what the problem might be with your sperm – whether there’s too few, they have poor motility or they are abnormally-shaped. She then assesses what course of treatment might work.

Joanne is especially passionate about sperm donation and manages our highly-successful sperm donor bank. She’s also nationally active on issues relating to the recruitment of sperm donors.

Joanne says: “Many men who could be donors simply don’t realise there’s such as shortage of donor sperm. Through our ongoing campaign, we are one of the few clinics in the UK to have no waiting list for treatment with donor sperm.”

View blog posts by Joanne Adams

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Lauren Baker

Reproductive Technologist

With a degree in Biomedical Science, Lauren works alongside our sperm donor bank manager Joanne Adams, promoting the benefits of sperm donation and helping men to become sperm donors through our nationwide sperm donor programme, Semovo.

Lauren says: “Choosing a sperm donor may seem like quite a small stage in the whole fertility journey, but for many it is the most important. Knowing that I can help someone have the family that they’ve longed for is so rewarding and the best feeling in the world.”

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Amy Jacobs

Donor Programme Assistant

Amy joined the Manchester Fertility team after working within the NHS as a Patient Advisor. With a wealth of experience in supporting patients undergoing treatment, she is the first person you’ll speak to if you’re interested in becoming an egg donor with us. 

She will support you from your initial application right through to successful donation and beyond. 

Amy says: “It’s such an honour to be a part of the egg donation process and help women to give this amazing gift. I’m looking forward to helping guide our egg donors through their journey and supporting them every step of the way.”

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Sarah Rydzynski

Donor Programme Assistant

As part of our dedicated Donation Team, Sarah is one of the first people you'll speak to if you wish to become an egg or sperm donor or if you wish to use donor sperm or eggs to have a baby.

Sarah will support you through every stage of donor application or treatment. Using her exceptional organisational skills and empathetic approach, she'll make sure that you are well taken care of during your time with us.

Sarah says: "Being able to help someone achieve their dream of a family and to support and care for our very special donors is so rewarding. We're here to help at any time, I would always advise people to call us if they have any questions about either using our donor eggs or sperm or if interested in joining our Manchesterdonors.com programme."

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Adam Bates

Donor Programme Assistant

Adam joins our dedicated Donation Team on placement year for University. He helps to arrange appointments for our egg and sperm donors as they go through the donation process, and helps to review initial donor applications.

As part of the Donation Team, he also helps to support our patients who need to use donor eggs or donor sperm to have a family.

 Adam says: “Being part of the Manchester Fertility team means I get to genuinely help to change someone’s life, even though I only play a small part of their journey to having a baby, it means so much that what I do makes a difference.”

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Sharon Pryor

Donation Clinical Support Assistant

Sharon has worked in both the NHS and private sector for over 18 years. Originally trained in optical healthcare, her personal interest in fertility now sees her using her considerable clinical skills to help and support women who wish to donate eggs to our Manchester Donors programme.

Sharon supports our egg donors through their donation journey from a clinical perspective, from phlebotomy to medication, ensuring they are looked after and informed at every stage.

Sharon says: “The clinical aspects of egg donation can sometimes be daunting. I’m here to reassure our egg donors, building a rapport and relationship so they always feel comfortable and at ease. It’s such a privilege to support our egg donors. They are doing such a wonderful thing and I love being there for them throughout the process.”

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Jenny Weedall

Patient Office Team Leader

Jenny joined our patient office in 2005 and has worked within the IVF field for 10 years. This experience proves invaluable, as it allows Jenny to provide patients with up to date knowledge and leaves each patient feeling confident that their needs are being taken care of. After showing great initiative and commitment Jenny has recently become the Team Leader of the Patient Office. Her role ensures that we provide a first class service to all our patients, from the moment they make contact with Manchester Fertility.

Jenny Says: “Being part of the team here at Manchester Fertility is very rewarding. It is a satisfying feeling knowing you are part of a great team. I aim to build on what we do well and continue to develop, to meet patient expectations.

View blog posts by Jenny Weedall

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Hayley Cuthbert

Patient Advisor

Hayley is one of our most experienced Patient Advisors and has a wealth of knowledge about all our infertility treatments and services including surrogacy and egg-sharing. If you have any questions at all about your treatments, Hayley is here to help reassure you and provide you with all the information you need, whilst also providing first-class support to our consultants, nursing and embryology teams. 

Hayley says: “The support I provide in the patient office means that our consultants, nurses and specialist departments can get on with their job of helping you – I’m here to help ensure that everything happens when it should behind the scenes.”

View blog posts by Hayley Cuthbert

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Alice Frost

Patient Advisor

BA (Hons)

Alice is one of the Patient Advisors at Manchester Fertility. She joined our team in 2011 after completing a BA Hons degree at Liverpool John Moors University. She is a very valued and dedicated member of our team. We believe it is vital to be able to rely on our staff to produce the best service to patients, which is a goal that Manchester Fertility strives for.

Alice says “I’m often the very first point of contact between patients and our clinic whether that is by phone, email or a 1-2-1 patient visit. It is important to me that people feel at ease from the very first moment they contact our unit. I’m here to give patients any information they may need, and any necessary support too. I believe we deliver the very best service and we work as a team to continuously improve.”

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Jessica Whitehurst

Patient Advisor

Jessica is a member of our Patient Advisor team. As a first point of contact, she will help with any query you may have, no matter how big or small. With her background in childcare and administration, she is compassionate and understanding, supporting many of our patients through their journey at every stage.

Jessica says: “I want patients to know that no question they may ask is a silly one, if they have thought it, it’s likely someone else has as well. I really enjoy being there for our patients, the positive outcomes and giving hope is so very rewarding for me.”

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Julie Coleman

Patient Advisor

Julie is one of the newest members of our Patient Advisor team. You’ll meet Julie when you come into the clinic, or if you have any questions or queries about your treatment.

With experience as a patient administrator in a private hospital setting, Julie is highly customer-focused.

She says: “Fertility treatment isn’t just about the treatment itself, it’s about having care and compassion for the people who come to us for help. Professionalism, understanding and empathy are so important in this role and I’m very much looking forward to welcoming patients and playing a small part, alongside the entire clinic team, in their journey to a family.”

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Evie O'Reilly

Patient Advisor

With a strong background in customer service, Evie joins the team at Manchester Fertility as an Admin Support Assistant.

Working in the Patient Office, she ensures all patient details and medical records are up to date so that treatment runs smoothly and seamlessly.

Evie says: "Although my role is behind the scenes, my work still helps to ensure a stress-free journey for all our patients. It's wonderful to keep learning about the scope of treatments at the clinic and all the different ways we can help overcome infertility."

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Anna Bailey

Patient Advisor

With a career background in hospitality and expertise in reception front desk roles, Anna knows exactly how to make you feel welcome and at ease when you first walk into our clinic.

As a Receptionist/Patient Co-ordinator, she’ll be one of the first people you meet and will help to organise your treatment appointments with our clinic team.

Anna says: “My goal is to ensure your experience with us is the best it can be, at every stage. I always look forward to meeting new patients, and seeing patients I’ve already got to know. It’s an incredibly special thing to have the privilege of supporting our patients through their journey and sharing their hope of building a family.”

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Katy Gadman

Patient Support Assistant/Satellite Coordinator

Following a career in the NHS and a private fertility unit as a medical secretary and PA, Katy brings a wealth of medical administration skills to our team.

As a Patient Support Assistant, Katy is one of the people you may speak to when you call our clinic. She helps to organise patient appointments, screening results with our nursing team and co-ordinating patient reports from our satellite clinics. She helps to ensure all clinic processes run smoothly by delivering the highest standards of administrative support.

She says: “I’m very passionate about working in the field of fertility treatment. Everybody who wants to be a parent should be afforded the best possible chance if this is something that can’t happen naturally. I especially enjoy building relationships with our patients so I can understand and meet each of their needs, and assisting the nursing staff and wider clinic team.”

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Jamie Carter

Patient Support Assistant/Satellite Coordinator

A recent graduate of Edge Hill University with a BA Hons in Children and Young People’s Learning and Development, Jamie is our Patient Support Assistant. With a background in customer services, he provides administrative support to all teams, helping to ensure the smooth running of procedures and processes. 

He is also our satellite co-ordinator, liaising with our satellite clinics to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for our patients having treatment both here and at our partner sites. 

Jamie says: “Working across all teams, from clinical consultancy to laboratory and patient office, gives me a great behind-the-scenes overview, and helps us to provide the best patient service we can. It’s such a wonderful opportunity to work in a field that truly creates little miracles every day.”

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Catherine Coffey

Medical Secretary

Catherine is an experienced Medical Secretary and joins our team following a career background covering many secretarial and administrative disciplines across the NHS, The Christie Hospital, HMCS and in private health practice. 

As our Medical Secretary she ensures consultant notes are transcribed and communicated efficiently, providing an effective administrative service to teams across the clinic. 

Catherine says: “I’m looking forward to using my extensive skills to ensure a seamless, stress-free treatment path for all the patients who come to us. Although my role is very much behind-the-scenes, I’m delighted to be involved in the process of helping people to fulfil their dream of a family."

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Kelly Young

Admin Support Assistant

With a background in customer service and administration, Kelly helps to ensure all aspects of clinic admin are seamless and efficient.

She supports all clinic teams, from Patient Advisors and Nurses to Consultants, so everything is prepared for you and happens when it should.

Kelly says: “I am honoured to be a part of such a well-established, hardworking team. Even though my role in a patient’s journey is small and behind-the-scenes, I feel very privileged to be able to share it and help them fulfil their dreams. I find all the varying treatments and services we offer fascinating, I’m continuously improving my own knowledge on the varying treatments and procedures we offer.”

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Rita Dixon

Head Receptionist

Rita joined our administration team in 2009. Passionate in her main role as customer liaison, she provides administration support to all our departments delivering very high service standards. With many years’ experience in the medical field as a patient liaison officer, Rita has a diploma in counselling and has a very warm and accommodating personality.

Rita says: “I’m in a very privileged position as I’m one of the first people you’ll see when you visit Manchester Fertility. It’s important to me and our whole team that we always give you the time and support you need, even if it’s just a reassuring chat when you first enquire about treatment.”

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Sophie Walker

Receptionist

Sophie joined our front desk team after a career spanning childcare and hospitality.

As one of the first people you meet when you come to us for treatment, Sophie helps to ensure you feel welcome and at ease, answering any queries you may have over the phone or face-to-face. She also supports our clinic admin team, assisting with patient notes and general admin duties.

Sophie says: “I’m dedicated to ensuring you have the best experience we can offer, from the moment you walk through our doors. I’m grateful and privileged to be part of a team that can truly change lives.”

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Caroline Coulston

Patient Support Assistant

Caroline is one of our Patient Support Assistants, working within our fertility nursing team.

Helping with all related administration and providing support to patients, Caroline has extensive knowledge of the admin needs of a healthcare environment, ensuring all procedures and processes are seamless and stress-free for our patients.

Before joining Manchester Fertility, she worked as Co-ordinator & Medical Secretary within the NHS in patient clinic and back office, including out of hours management.

Caroline says: “I’m always here to help if you have any questions or concerns, and feel extremely privileged to help you fulfil your dream of starting a family. It’s very exciting to be part of the team at Manchester Fertility, it is such a respected clinic at the forefront of fertility treatment and I’m very much looking forward to giving our patients the best experience.”

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Gabrielle Goad

Fertility Counsellor

BA (Hons) HR, Post Graduate Diploma (Relationship Therapy), AMBICA, MBACP (Accred), AVR. Accredited to the Voluntary Register for Counsellors and Psychotherapists

Gabrielle is a qualified psychotherapist, with many years of experience working with families, couples and young people. She is a trained Relate counsellor and has worked in Sure Start Centres and Schools.

She is registered to AVR, a psychological therapist register which is accredited by the Department of Health, giving our patients the assurance of standards of patient safety and service quality. Gabrielle is also accredited to the British Infertility Counselling Association and is an accredited member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. Both accreditations set a benchmark for excellent practice and recognise high standards of knowledge, experience and development. 

She has been counselling patients at Manchester Fertility since 2009.

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Sharon Rodden

Fertility Counsellor

MA, Diploma Therapeutic Counselling, Cert Couples and Relationship Therapy. MBACP, MBICA

Sharon joins the Manchester Fertility team following several years working within the NHS where she helped staff, counselling on a wide range of issues. She has also worked within the charity sector providing vital counselling support to cancer patients and their families.

She is a qualified counsellor with experience of working with adults and couples.

View blog posts by Sharon Rodden

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Helen Bohme

Fertility Counsellor

BSc (Hons), DipSW, LGTB (Training), FCAT (Art Therapy), MA (Couple Therapy), MBACP, AMBICA

Helen has worked with Manchester Fertility patients since 1997, and is a qualified psychotherapist with many years of experience of working therapeutically with families, couples and children in many clinical settings including Relate, where she was a counsellor and trainer.

She is a supervisor and trainer of counsellors. She is currently undertaking a Professional Doctorate in Systemic Practice. Prior to this Helen was a Children’s Services Manager in a Social Services Department where she managed and developed an Adoption/Fostering service and chaired the SSD Adoption panel.

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Dr Greg Carter

Private Medical Acupuncturist

Dr Greg Carter is a Private Medical Acupuncturist in Macclesfield, Cheshire and practising GP Partner in Marple.

Greg developed a keen interest in Medical Acupuncture following a period of training in Traditional Chinese Medicine at Guanghzhou University of TCM, China. After qualifying as a GP he joined the British Medical Acupuncture Society in 1993 and started to combine Western Medicine with acupuncture in his GP work. He gained the BMAS Diploma in Medical Acupuncture in 2003.

He has a keen interest in the use of acupuncture in fertility and gynaecological disorders in addition to a wide range of other conditions. He feels that acupuncture can and should be used along with mainstream medicine and other services such as nutritional advice and counselling in order to provide a more effective and holistic style of therapy.

“I really enjoy helping patients get the most from their fertility treatment. It’s great to have the time to get to know patients, to understand their concerns and adapt their treatment to suit their individual needs. This allows me to help maximise the benefits of the expertise and hard work of the medical and nursing staff at Manchester Fertility.”

For more information about Dr Carter and the services he provides, visit www.chesh-med-ac.co.uk.

View blog posts by Dr Greg Carter

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Jeannette Jackson

Fertility Nutritionist

Nutrition and health expert Jeannette Jackson consults with our patients who would like to improve their health and prepare their body for treatment and pregnancy through natural diet.

As a Nutritional Biochemist, Jeannette understands the impact diet and lifestyle has on those hoping to conceive. She is able to advise and recommend positive changes that can be made to help ensure your health and wellbeing is at its most optimum at every stage of your treatment.

Jeannette’s considerable expertise in the field of nutrition and health has seen her make many TV and media appearances, including Sky Living, Channel Four’s Dispatches, ITV’s This Morning and on the BBC. She is also a published author.

Jeannette says: “Many studies have shown that nutrition, diet and lifestyle can have a significant impact on fertility, conception and pregnancy. I’m here to help patients who want to improve their physical health and general wellbeing so they are prepared for their treatment journey and all it entails.”

Jeannette holds regular ‘Stress and Nutrition for Fertility’ Workshops at our clinic, and is available for private one-to-one nutritional consultations.

View blog posts by Jeannette Jackson

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Rachel Panton

Accounts Assistant

With a background in accounting and customer service in the fields of social services, psychology and private healthcare, Rachel helps our accounting and banking processes to run smoothly whilst also delivering high standards of customer care.

Rachel says: “It’s very rewarding to be part of a team that is so patient focused. I really value what we do at Manchester Fertility, hearing the news of a positive pregnancy test, new babies born and families growing makes it all so worthwhile.”

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Mohammad Shamus

Assistant Management Accountant

Mohammad is part of our finance team and helps to ensure the financial operation of the clinic is efficient and effective.

Having worked for various financial organisations, Mohammad is highly experienced in maintaining invoicing records, payments and transactions, as well as preparing all our necessary accounts and purchase orders.

Mohammad says: “I strive to achieve the highest standards of patient satisfaction, it’s important to me that the clinic finance function runs smoothly and competently to help ensure a stress-free journey for our patients. Manchester Fertility is a great environment to work in, with a strong patient focus in every clinic department.”

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Jonathan Koslover

Managing Director (Joint)

FCA, FCT, IMC

Jonathan has been part of our team since 2011 and is focused on ensuring that the quality of our service is of the highest level.

A Chartered Accountant and management consultant, Jonathan’s expertise has been instrumental in the design and implementation of best practice organisation, technology and processes within our clinic.

Making sure that as a patient, your experience and journey with us is the best it can be.

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Alison Kay

Quality Manager

Making sure Manchester Fertility maintains the necessary standards is the job of our Quality Representative. Alison has worked with us for over 11 years and has a background in medical administration and is one of our Patient Advisors. Alison also helped establish our egg-sharing programme in 2010, and is the day-to-day coordinator for the programme.

Alison says: “All fertility clinics are required to have a Quality Management System in place in accordance with the HFEA standard which means we work to very high standards and you can be assured that you receive only the very best care from us.”

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Ian Parker

Marketing Manager

Our Marketing Manager Ian is responsible for all aspects of clinic marketing and communications.

With over 20 years experience working with some of the UK’s biggest healthcare brands, Ian creates innovative campaigns designed to enhance patient experience and publicise our leading success rates, outstanding care and personal approach to fertility treatment.

Ian says: “Working in healthcare is extremely rewarding. Through our marketing strategy, we can provide the very best patient-focused services possible, whilst highlighting the Manchester Fertility difference to those considering treatment.”

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