Fertility and reproductive medicine

The fertility and reproductive medicine service based at Hammersmith Hospital provides comprehensive medical and surgical investigation.

We treat all types of ovulation disorders, as well as providing surgical management of tubal problems or womb abnormalities.

Our reproductive endocrine and fertility clinics are a consultant led service with complete continuity of care.

The ovulation induction service is also consultant delivered. The protocols we use for treatment were developed at St Mary's Hospital.

Conditions and treatments

Our service treats ovulation disorders, menstrual disturbance, tubal problems, womb abnormalities, premature ovarian failure, and low fertility with an endocrine cause in male patients.

Our reproductive endocrine clinic is also consultant-led and was set up by Professor Stephen Franks, who has a worldwide reputation in the assessment and treatment of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a hormone condition that causes menstrual and fertility problems.

The clinic has a particular interest in women with premature ovarian failure, their long-term management and fertility concerns. Women suffering from premature ovarian failure receive a combined service with our endocrinologists to address all aspects of their care. 

Patient information

Our fertility and reproductive medicine service offers consultations and fertility treatments to families in north west London, including IVF treatment.

Before your appointment

Referrals to this service should include details of any partner, if you are seeking NHS funded treatment together. It is important if you have a partner/spouse and you are seeking treatment together, that you both attend the appointment. You are also welcome to ask for a chaperone. This is to enable us to conduct the consultation in full and agree any subsequent treatment which may be appropriate.

You will be sent some information ahead of your first appointment, which will detail more about what to expect at your initial consultation.

It is helpful if you can bring copies of results from any completed investigations (either from your GP or any previous fertility assessments) to your appointment. You should also bring with you a list of any medications, over the counter or prescribed, and any vitamins or herbal supplements that you are taking.

During your appointment

We are a teaching hospital, so medical students may be present for some appointments. If you do not wish to have them in the room please let the nurse or doctor know and the students will be asked to step outside.

At our clinics, waiting times are typically around 30 minutes, and most appointments take about 30 minutes. At your initial appointment the doctor will review your history, may examine you and will arrange for further investigations and tests. These could include ultrasound scans or blood tests.

After your appointment

We will send your GP a clinic letter summarising your consultation and any plans for tests or treatments. We will send you a copy of this letter, and if appropriate, we will offer you a follow-up appointment.

Overseas visitors

Since 21 August 2017, those exempt from charge under Regulation 10 (health surcharge arrangements) or 11 (transitional arrangements) are not exempt from charge in relation to assisted conception services. Checks may need to be completed to ensure you and your partner, if you have one, are eligible for assisted conception funded by the NHS. If you have any queries with relation to this please contact the overseas office.

Additional information

Elective placements

Please contact Mr Rajendra Rai, head of reproductive medicine, via his secretary for information about elective placements.

Further online resources

• Verity PCOS charity  
• Infertility network 
• Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority  
• Daisy Network (premature menopause support) 
• NHS Choices – Infertility

Fertility and reproductive medicine clinics

Our fertility and reproductive medicine clinics are held at Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital.

Address

Gynaecology Department
Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea Hospital
Du Cane Road
London W12 0HS

Contact information

Email: ICHC-tr.infertilitynhsreferrals@nhs.net

Consultants
Our fertility and reproductive medicine service is managed by a team of consultants.

• Mr Rehan Salim, lead for reproductive medicine
• Mr Raj Rai
• Mr Sotirios Saravelos

Refer to this service

For GPs who are looking to refer a patient to our fertility and reproductive medicine service

Please use NHS e-Referrals to refer to our fertility and reproductive medicine services. 

Referrals can be made using the following clinic names:

PCOS and reproductive endocrinology: This clinic is for PCOS patients and patients with hormonal problems who do not wish to conceive.

Infertility/reproductive medicine: This clinic is for all patients with fertility problems. Referrals to this service should include details of the patient's partner, if they are seeking NHS-funded treatment together. Please note that it is important for both partners to attend their appointment together. 

GP advice

Please contact the fertility referrals department for advice prior to making a referral.

Phone: 0203 313 4411