A case study : Fertility clinics response to Coronavirus

We run fertility clinics across the UK and in Denmark, having pioneered IVF treatment that is more natural, safe and affordable.

When I wrote last time, our sectors had been suspended to support the wider efforts to suppress Covid-19. The day after we closed our services, we began developing a plan for a safe re-opening. By having an exit strategy in place, we have had a head start in putting in place the right policies, procedures and equipment to protect our team members and clients.

At the beginning of May, we received notification that we should re-open, much to the delight of fertility patients who are often in a race against time. We are gradually re-commencing our services over the next ten days.

Furloughing has worked well so far and the Labour front bench has done a fantastic job of pushing the government to introduce more flexibility and extend the scheme. We have received approval for CBILS support, though it has taken many weeks and we still have not finalised the agreement. Many companies would not have been able to survive with this kind of delay.

Looking ahead, none of us know what the economy and demand is going to look like once restrictions begin to ease. Our experience in Denmark has been instructive; life in Denmark is returning to normal because the public have confidence that their health and safety is being protected. The only way out of this crisis will be with clear guidance, a focus on safety and continued solidarity.

Praful Nargund

CEO, CREATE Fertility and abc ivf

May 2020