A fertility clinic in Glasgow has officially reopened following a series of refurbishment works.

The £4m project was carried out at the Assisted Conception Unit, at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. In 2012, the clinic was closed following a severe fall in successful fertilisation rates. It is thought the rate fell from around 30% to just 15% between September and November 2012.

At the time, it was thought the fall could have been affected by building works being carried out on the floor above the unit, as dust, paint fumes and vapours from chemicals can pose a risk to embryos being prepared for implantation.


However, despite a full internal investigation being undertaken, a reason for the sudden fall in fertility rates was not discovered.

Shona Robison opened the new facility and said: "I'm thrilled to be able to be here today to meet staff and patients from the new Assisted Conception Service Unit. This new facility provides a calm and supportive environment for patients who are undergoing treatment, reducing stress at what can be a particularly difficult time.

"With the new unit's additional capacity and centrally located services, it will also help to significantly reduce the length of time patients have to wait for IVF treatment ensuring equitable access to services across Scotland."

Andrew Robertson, Chairman, NHSGGC, added: "One of the main benefits of the new refurbished unit is that all functions are now located within the one area. Prior to the refurbishment, services were spread across the GRI site.

"The investment in the facility and state of the art equipment has allowed a seven day service to be provided and already the service is seeing an increase in success rates. The increase in capacity at this new facility will also enable patients to be treated within the 12 months target."

(JP/CD)