A patient who has spent over a decade trying to start a family has described the “heartbreaking” experience of attending a fertility appointment located within a maternity unit, prompting calls for separate facilities across Northern Ireland. The situation has highlighted the emotional toll placed on patients attending fertility and gynaecology appointments in close proximity to maternity services, where they are often surrounded by expectant parents and newborn babies.
Niamh Smyth and her husband Justyn have undergone four rounds of IVF, with three unsuccessful attempts and one pregnancy which ended in miscarriage. Smyth had been on a gynaecology waiting list for nearly five years before her appointment in May at the Ulster Hospital, which is managed by the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.
When Smyth called to ask where the gynaecology department was located, she was told it was inside the maternity unit. “Whenever I heard that, my heart just dropped,” she said. The prospect of attending an appointment in an environment so closely associated with pregnancy and childbirth was deeply distressing for a patient who had experienced years of fertility struggles and loss.
‘Heartbreaking’ experience
Smyth said she sat alongside expectant parents and families during her visit and found the experience “heartbreaking”. The emotional impact of such an environment on patients dealing with infertility or pregnancy loss is significant, as it can serve as a painful reminder of their own struggles.
Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn commented on the issue, articulating the difficulties faced by patients in these situations. She stated: “Your senses are totally heightened in terms of noticing babies coming and going from maternity hospitals and noticing pregnant mothers going in to have their babies… All of those things seem a lot more sharp and a lot more real, and it can hurt.”
The issue has raised questions about the design and location of healthcare facilities, and whether enough consideration is given to the psychological well-being of patients attending sensitive appointments. The Department of Health in Northern Ireland oversees the provision of these services across the region.
Trust responses
In response to the concerns raised, the South Eastern Trust said it hopes to relocate outpatient gynaecology services from the Ulster Hospital’s maternity unit in the coming months. This move would provide a more appropriate setting for patients attending these appointments.
All five Northern Ireland health trusts were contacted about the locations of their fertility and gynaecology services to determine the extent of the issue across the region. The responses revealed a mixed picture in terms of how these services are currently accommodated.
The Belfast Trust said its Regional Fertility Centre operates from a dedicated facility with its own separate entrance, ensuring that patients do not have to pass through maternity areas. Similarly, the Southern Trust said fertility treatment is provided from a standalone clinic, offering a separate environment for patients.
However, the Western, Northern and South Eastern trusts acknowledged that attending appointments close to maternity services in some hospitals can be difficult for patients. This acknowledgement suggests that further action may be needed to address the issue across multiple healthcare facilities in Northern Ireland.
Calls for change
The experiences of patients like Smyth have led to increased calls for the separation of fertility and gynaecology appointments from maternity units across all health trusts in Northern Ireland. Advocates argue that providing dedicated, separate facilities is essential to ensure a more sensitive and supportive environment for those undergoing fertility treatment or dealing with pregnancy loss.
As the South Eastern Trust plans to relocate its outpatient gynaecology services, there is hope that other trusts will follow suit and prioritise the emotional well-being of patients attending these sensitive appointments. The provision of separate facilities could make a significant difference to the experience of patients navigating the challenges of infertility and gynaecological issues.
