**IVF Patients Warned Over Unregulated “Concierge Clinics” After £15,000 Losses**
IVF patients are facing significant financial and emotional distress after unregulated “concierge clinics” collapsed, leaving them without treatment or refunds. Syreeta Sandhu, a 40-year-old mother-of-two, lost nearly £15,000 when Apricity Fertility, an online middleman clinic, went bust. After multiple failed IVF rounds and miscarriages, she had trusted Apricity to match her with an egg donor and arrange treatment through King’s Fertility. However, her appointments were abruptly canceled, and she discovered the company had ceased operations without warning. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) warns that these digital clinics operate in a regulatory gap, leaving patients unprotected. Experts are calling for legal reforms to address modern fertility service models.
**Growing Risks in Unregulated Fertility Services**
Concierge clinics, which connect patients with donors and clinics but lack physical premises, are becoming more common in the UK. Unlike licensed fertility clinics, they are not regulated by the HFEA, meaning patients have no recourse if the business fails. Beth Rodgers, 32, lost £4,600 after Apricity collapsed mid-treatment, leaving her without a donor and delaying her IVF journey. Similarly, another couple lost £10,000 in savings and loans, with no hope of reimbursement. The liquidator handling Apricity’s debts confirmed 52 patients are owed a total of £119,000, but refunds are unlikely. The HFEA urges patients to choose licensed clinics, which are legally required to safeguard stored eggs, sperm, and embryos in case of closure.
**Calls for Stronger Regulation and Patient Awareness**
The UK government is reviewing the HFEA’s recommendations to update fertility laws, as digital clinics fall outside current regulations. Dr. Ippokratis Sarris of King’s Fertility acknowledges the demand for convenient, remote IVF services but advises patients to research providers thoroughly and avoid upfront payments for multi-cycle packages. While the shift toward digital fertility care is inevitable, experts stress the need for stronger safeguards to prevent future losses. For now, patients are urged to prioritize HFEA-licensed clinics to ensure protection and continuity of care.
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