Warning over IVF concierge clinics: 'I paid £15,000 then it went bust'

Facing tremendous disappointment and frustration, Syreeta Sandhu is just one of many who paid a hefty price for arranging IVF treatment, only to have the service abruptly shut down, leaving patients in the lurch. As the popularity of privately funded IVF cycles has surged, unregulated “concierge clinics” have cropped up, serving as intermediaries between patients, donors, and medical professionals. These entities fall outside the jurisdiction of the fertility watchdog, which lacks the authority to regulate them, prompting calls for stronger legislation to safeguard patients’ interests.

Syreeta Sandhu, a 40-year-old mother-of-two, embarked on the journey with online firm Apricity Fertility after facing numerous setbacks in her quest for a third child. Despite paying a substantial sum, her hopes were dashed when Apricity ceased operations without warning, jeopardizing her chances of commencing treatment at an established clinic. The lack of communication and accountability left Syreeta feeling distraught and stranded in her pursuit of expanding her family.

Meanwhile, Beth Rodgers, diagnosed with Turner syndrome, encountered similar troubles due to the closure of Apricity. With a scarcity of egg donors in Northern Ireland, Beth and her partner sought a solution through the defunct concierge clinic, only to find themselves left in the dark with unfulfilled promises and dashed hopes. The absence of clear communication and the subsequent loss of time and resources underscore the perils of relying on unregulated fertility services.

In the wake of Apricity’s collapse, concerns have been raised about the proliferation of concierge clinics operating in a regulatory grey area, exposing patients to financial risks and emotional turmoil. The need for stringent guidelines and oversight to protect individuals seeking fertility treatments has never been more urgent, as highlighted by the fallout from the sudden closure of these uncharted entities. As the landscape of reproductive healthcare evolves, stakeholders must prioritize the well-being and interests of patients above all else, ensuring transparency, accountability, and professionalism in the delivery of IVF services

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