IVF clinic investigated over possible damaged eggs

More than 100 women who had eggs and embryos frozen at a leading clinic have been told they may have been damaged due to a fault in the freezing process.

The clinic at Guy's Hospital in London was warned a year ago about an issue with a solution used, but patients have only recently been told.

The fertility regulator, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), is investigating.

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (GSTHT) said it had apologised.

It is believed that many of the patients affected have had cancer treatment since having their eggs or embryos frozen, which may have left them infertile. This means they now may not be able to conceive with their own eggs.

The HFEA said a safety notice about the faulty freezing solution was issued in February 2023 and that all clinics were notified.

It said the investigation at Guy's and St Thomas' assisted conception unit was "ongoing" and that it would take "any further action required".

Roger Cutting, the HFEA's director of compliance, said: "We appreciate any incident may be concerning to patients.

"We advise patients to contact their own clinic to raise any queries or concerns as the clinic is best placed to advise individuals on how they may, or may not have been, affected."

The HFEA said the faulty liquid may have been sent to other UK clinics, but it was not aware of any other cases in which patients have been affected.

GSTHT said the fault was not evident at the time the eggs and embryos were frozen.

A spokesperson said: "We have contacted all of those affected and apologised for the delay in doing so and any distress this may have caused.

"We are supporting those who may have been impacted, including through our counselling service, and would urge anyone with concerns to speak to us directly via the dedicated phoneline we have set up."