IVF clinic destroys donated eggs
A couple were devastated when an IVF clinic destroyed a batch of 'exceptional' eggs - hours after they were donated.The news was given to the couple, known only as Chris and Lorraine, over the phone on the evening they returned from IVF Wales, in Cardiff.
Trying for seven years
The couple, who had been trying for seven years to have a baby, are now calling for urgent action to ensure others do not suffer the heartache they have had to endure.
Previous errors
Their loss is just the latest in a series of errors at the south Wales clinic. Earlier this month the clinic came under fire for mistakenly destroying sperm donated by cancer patients about to undergo treatment. The mistake was revealed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, which regulates IVF centres in the UK.
HFEA concerned
The HFEA report said it was 'extremely concerned' by the errors at the clinic this year. Chris, 35, and Lorraine, 34, (who do not want to reveal their full identities) were just two of the victims. The couple, from Barry, south Wales, have now begun legal proceedings.
Sister donated eggs
The couple turned to IVF after trying to start a family without success for seven years. They went through a cycle of IVF in 2007 when Lorraine, a care worker, produced two eggs, one showing low fertility and the other failing to fertilise. She turned to her sister who agreed to donate eggs. The couple were delighted when 10 eggs donated by Lorraine's sister in February were described by consultants as 'of exceptional quality'.
Mechanical error
But hours later, they received a call from IVF Wales telling them of their destruction in a 'mechanical error'.
Donated eggs destroyed in accident
Chris, Lorraine, her sister and their parents were all summoned to a meeting at the clinic that night. They listened in disbelief as they were told a pipette containing all 10 eggs had hit a microscope during a transfer to a dish. All were destroyed in the accident. 'I was left numb by what happened and couldn't really take in what I was being told at the time,' said Lorraine.
Embryo error
IVF Wales hit the headlines in 2009 when it settled a case where a couple whose last viable embryo was transferred to the wrong patient.
Publicity and legal process
Dr Graham Shortland, medical director for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board which hosts IVF Wales, said: 'As those involved have instigated legal proceedings against IVF Wales, we are unable to comment in detail on this case. 'However, we would like to make clear that all clinical incidents are reported robustly, in line with HFEA requirements. 'Patients are offered support throughout the process, investigations are rigorous and there are systems in place to ensure lessons are learned. 'It is disappointing that the legal firm representing the couple has chosen to invoke the media while the legal process remains in train, thus hampering the UHB's ability to comment in any detail.'
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