CARE Fertility, the UK's leading independent fertility treatment provider, is expanding its specialist network with a new consulting suite and satellite clinic in the heart of Grantham.

The company has secured full planning permission from South Kesteven District Council to change the use of currently vacant offices on the lower ground floor of 70a Castlegate for the new venture.

Wanda Georgiades, of CARE Fertility, told Grantham Nub News: "CARE Fertility already treats lots of patients from across Lincolnshire at our Nottingham clinic.

"The new satellite clinic will allow local patients to book a consultation, have injections, blood tests during IVF treatment monitoring and ultrasound scans in Grantham - which saves driving into Nottingham and battling with the traffic for appointments.

"IVF can be stressful, taking time off work might be tricky. Often patients haven't told anyone about their treatment.

"A clinic on the doorstep means that life can go on pretty much as normal and stop stress levels creeping up.

"Our new CARE Grantham satellite clinic is at the very early stages but we look forward to adding Castlegate to our growing CARE family."

Egg collection will still need to be undertaken at the Nottingham clinic where there is a dedicated theatre and embryology lab facilities.

Embryos are monitored in the lab until they are around five days old and the patient will then invited back to Nottingham to have their embryo replaced.

Wanda adds: "The embryo transfer procedure is quite straightforward, but the next 16 days are possibly the worst time - waiting for that all-important pregnancy test result.

"Having a satellite clinic nearby, with an experienced team on hand to give advice and support, can make all the difference at such an emotional time."

CARE Nottingham Clinic Director Avril Mackie said that the new Grantham clinic will build on the company's 'strong programme of growth and refurbishment'.

"Working in collaboration with our Nottingham clinic, our dedicated team at Grantham will provide patients with the very best care on their doorstep.

"Alongside our established Boston clinic, it was natural to ensure the whole of Lincolnshire continues to have a firm place in our plans for the future.

"More than 30,000 CARE babies have been born and we look forward to helping even more patients have successful treatment," she added.

CARE Fertility has not yet set an opening date for the Grantham satellite clinic.

Photo 1: CARE Fertility founder Prof Simon Fishel with two IVF babies