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24/05/2004
More people to benefit from fertility counselling service
The Fertility Counselling Service, previously available only to patients attending the Regional Fertility Centre at the Royal Victoria Hospital, is being extended to help even more people deal with the emotional stress that can accompany diagnosis of fertility problems.
The free service, delivered by experienced counsellors, is now being made directly available to couples or individuals. These may include those attending their GP or local hospital about fertility issues, who may not yet have begun treatment, and those who have already undergone treatment.
Patricia Gilbert of the Fertility Counselling Service said: “It’s estimated that one in six couples seek medical advice because of their inability to conceive but until now the psychological aspects of what can be an intensely emotional journey have not been widely catered for.
"This service allows couples to investigate their feelings and thoughts, come to a better understanding of their situation and be better placed to make an informed decision on their future.”
Several couples have already benefitted from the service, some to explore the implications of treatment, others to deal with the ups and downs encountered along the way.
At the moment the extended service operates from offices in Belfast and Cookstown and people will generally be seen within four weeks from first contact.
More information and contact details are available on the website www.fertility-counsellingni.org.
The Fertility Counselling Service is a social work service provided by the Church of Ireland Board for Social Responsibility (NI) and is funded by the Regional Fertility Centre, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Church of Ireland Parishes, Diocesan funds and individual donations.
(MB)
The free service, delivered by experienced counsellors, is now being made directly available to couples or individuals. These may include those attending their GP or local hospital about fertility issues, who may not yet have begun treatment, and those who have already undergone treatment.
Patricia Gilbert of the Fertility Counselling Service said: “It’s estimated that one in six couples seek medical advice because of their inability to conceive but until now the psychological aspects of what can be an intensely emotional journey have not been widely catered for.
"This service allows couples to investigate their feelings and thoughts, come to a better understanding of their situation and be better placed to make an informed decision on their future.”
Several couples have already benefitted from the service, some to explore the implications of treatment, others to deal with the ups and downs encountered along the way.
At the moment the extended service operates from offices in Belfast and Cookstown and people will generally be seen within four weeks from first contact.
More information and contact details are available on the website www.fertility-counsellingni.org.
The Fertility Counselling Service is a social work service provided by the Church of Ireland Board for Social Responsibility (NI) and is funded by the Regional Fertility Centre, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Church of Ireland Parishes, Diocesan funds and individual donations.
(MB)
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20 February 2006
North Belfast counselling service receives £145,000 grant
The Department of Social Development's Belfast Regeneration Office has today awarded a grant of £145,000 to a community based counselling service for North Belfast.
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26 March 2009
Fertility Treatment Gets Major Cash Boost
Extra funding for specialised fertility treatment is expected to lead to waiting times for NI patients to be cut dramatically. Those due to begin IVF treatment will soon see a reduction from 18 months to one year maximum waiting, with the aim being to allow more than one 'cycle' of treatment as soon as funds become available.
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Extra funding for specialised fertility treatment is expected to lead to waiting times for NI patients to be cut dramatically. Those due to begin IVF treatment will soon see a reduction from 18 months to one year maximum waiting, with the aim being to allow more than one 'cycle' of treatment as soon as funds become available.
24 August 2022
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Queen's University Belfast (QUB) has announced two new policies designed to offer support to staff experiencing the menopause and those undergoing fertility treatment, whilst raising awareness of the issues with line managers and other staff members.
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16 February 2024
Health Minister Announces Increased Funding For IVF Treatment
Publicly funded IVF treatment will increase to one full cycle for eligible women, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
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