Issue link: http://digitaleditions.uberflip.com/i/1388210
131 Gynaecology and Colposcopy NMH Annual Rep t | 2020 T wenty twenty was a challenging year because of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, reproductive medicine services, including assisted reproduction services, were facilitated and enhanced. Because of initial fears regarding a possible impact of the virus on early pregnancy and also the extra demands being placed on general health services, in March 2020 international bodies including ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) and ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology) advised that fertility patients should avoid pregnancy until further evidence became available. In line with this, Merrion Fertility Clinic ceased assisted reproduction services in late March. Video consultations and patient support continued. Services recommenced in May 2020, again following international guidance. Fertility treatment was declared an essential service, something we absolutely support. By the end of 2020 all services were back up and running, albeit with increased telemedicine, restricted access for partners and enhanced infection control measures. Reproductive Medicine New Developments A. Designation of NMH as Fertility Hub for Ireland East Hospital Group (IEHG) In June 2020 the NMH was designated as a HSE- funded fertility hub, with the intention of enhancing secondary level fertility care in the Ireland East Hospital Group. This is a really exciting development, demonstrating for the first time ever a commitment by NWIHP and the HSE to the development of national publicly-funded fertility services. The model of care developed by NWIHP "envisages fertility services being provided across a continuum care pathway, commencing in primary care, through to secondary care and ultimately, if clinically required, through to specialised, tertiary services which will include the provision of IVF. Funding will be provided for clinical, nursing, andrology and administration staff to develop this new service. B. Aspire Fellowship awarded for Integration of Fertility Care to the Irish public hospital system In 2020, MFC and the NMH were awarded a prestigious HSE-NDTP Aspire Post-CSCST Fellowship to develop comprehensive clinical care pathways for Jennifer Cullinane, Laboratory Manager and senior embryologist at Merrion Fertility Clinic, viewing embryo development under a high-power microscope.