A woman who has undergone a decade of IVF treatment is advocating for fertility and gynaecology appointments to be separated from maternity services in some hospitals. Niamh Smyth described her experience at the Ulster Hospital in May as "heartbreaking" after being directed to a gynaecology department located inside the maternity unit.
Ms Smyth and her husband Justyn have spent over ten years trying to start a family, including four rounds of IVF, three of which were unsuccessful, and one pregnancy that ended in miscarriage. She described sitting alongside expectant parents before receiving difficult news about her fertility.
The South Eastern Trust, which treated Ms Smyth, stated it hopes to relocate outpatient gynaecology services from the Ulster Hospital's maternity unit in the coming months. Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn, who has also had fertility treatment, supported Ms Smyth's concerns, highlighting the emotional impact of such locations.
While the Belfast Trust and Southern Trust operate fertility services from dedicated or standalone facilities, the Western, Northern, and South Eastern trusts acknowledge the challenges for women attending appointments close to maternity services. The Northern and Western trusts are exploring ways to improve these experiences.