sefc - team

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Our Team

At SEFC we pride ourselves on the long-standing expertise of our consultants, medical and nursing and support teams. Every member of personnel has recognised credentials and proven experience in their field, so you can rest assured you will receive the highest standards of care and attention.

MEDICAL TEAM

	Michael Rimington, Person Responsible, Medical Director Mr Rimington gained his accreditation as a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist in 1997 then quickly entered full time private practice as an infertility specialist. He started working in the field of assisted conception in 1992, gaining an MD in 1997. His area of special interest is the management of women with polycystic ovarian disease, on which subject he has published widely. In 2004 he joined with Mark Wilcox to form the South East Fertility Clinic and set up a new assisted conception service in Tunbridge Wells. He is the designated Person Responsible for the unit as registered with the HFEA.

	Mark Wilcox, Medical Director Mr Wilcox is a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist with his NHS practice at Pembury Hospital, Tunbridge Wells. He was appointed Consultant in 1995 and since then has developed his interest in reproductive medicine, in addition to continuing to work as a general obstetrician and gynaecologist. He leads the NHS infertility services for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.

	Dr Nicky Maxwell, Fertility Specialist Nicky has been working as a part-time Fertility Specialist at SEFC for the past year. She qualified as a doctor in1991 and attained membership of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1998. Nicky has spent 11 years working in the field of fertility previously at the Homerton Hospital in London and at the John Radcliffe Fertility Unit in Oxford.
NURSING TEAM
	Jane Holman, Nurse Co-ordinator Jane joined SEFC in early 2007 and manages the clinic’s nursing team, in addition to serving as our Egg Share Donor Programme and External Clinic Co-ordinator. Previously Nurse Manager at the Assisted Conception Unit at Chelsea and Westminster, she has worked in this field since 1993. Having gained her Fertility Ultrasound Certificate in 2003, Jane provides a comprehensive scanning service to patients alongside handling nurse consultations and general clinical responsibilities.

	Kay Bowles, Fertility Nurse Kay has spent 20 years nursing within acute hospitals, working in areas such as renal dialysis, paediatrics, surgical and neurological rehabilitation. She is also a qualified fitness instructor. Since joining SEFC in September 2005 she has chosen to specialise in fertility and enjoys the challenges and rewards of working closely with couples in this developing field of medicine.

	Anna Morris, Fertility Nurse Originally from Poland, Anna spent 7 years working as a trained midwife before moving to the UK in 2001. She spent several years working for Nuffield Hospitals and the NHS before joining the clinic in 2006. Anna loves assisting in the theatre as well as performing nurse consultations and recently began her fertility ultrasound training.

	Domenique McGlone, Fertility Nurse Domenique has been a qualified nurse for 12 years, specialising in gynaecology and fertility. Her previous experience in busy London units, both NHS and private, has enabled her to provide a comprehensive service to our patients, including scanning and nurse consultations. She achieved her Diploma in Infertility in 2001 and has just completed a further fertility certificate with Derby University..

	Marion Eagles, Fertility Nurse Marion has 19 years experience working with in the field of fertility and joined our nursing team in April 1008. Previously she was involved in setting up a new fertility unit in a private hospital where she was Nurse Manager and Nominal Licencee to HFEA. During the last year she prepared another private hospital to commence operating as a satellite unit to a large London teaching hospital. She undertakes follicular scanning, nurse consultations and works alongside the clinicians in the procedure room.

	Christine Richards, Fertility Nurse Christine joined SEFC in 2009. She has 23 years in nursing and an extensive background in adult intensive care, midwifery and infertility. Her career in assisted reproduction began in 1998 where she worked for 10 years as Fertility Nurse Coordinator in West Australia's largest and most established IVF clinic. She has a Nurse Practitioner Certificate in Sexual and Reproductive Health and is currently undertaking pelvic ultrasound training. Christine is highly motivated and dedicated to providing support to couples in need of fertility assistance. She has settled and adapted with ease to the exciting and challenging work here in this rapidly growing clinic.

	Sacha Pitt, Healthcare Assistant Sacha works in tandem with our nursing team to provide additional patient support. Having previously worked as a care assistant, her duties include ensuring patients are comfortable and monitored. Sacha assists the clinical team in the procedure room, with dispensing medications and arranging follow-up care.

	Sarah Knowles, Healthcare Assistant Sarah joined the South East Fertility Clinic in late November 2009 after completing a degree in Russian and Philosophy. Sarah’s next goal is to become a nurse and is therefore gaining valuable experience working with the SEFC. Sarah aids the nursing team with their daily duties and assists in theatre, whilst helping other departments in the clinic. She is currently working towards a certificate in phlebotomy.

	Julie Wood, Nursing Clerk Julie joined SEFC in November 2009 and was delighted to join the Nursing Team as a part-time Nursing Clerk. Julie is often the first point of contact for patients undergoing treatment and her support enables the nursing team to provide a prompt response to queries. She also ensures the nursing records and documentation is up to date in order for the department to run smoothly and efficiently.
SCIENTIFIC TEAM
	Stephen Lynch, Laboratory Manager Steve joined SEFC in August 2008. He began his career in the field of infertility in 1988. Having spent 7 years working in London, he relocated in 1995 to Kent where he commissioned, and was responsible for a laboratory as part of a new and dedicated service to infertile couples in East Kent, offering treatment to both self funding and local NHS patients. In 1997 he was appointed Person Responsible to the HFEA at that clinic. In 2003 the HFEA appointed Steve as an External Advisor. He continues in this role, which allows him to participate in the HFEA Inspection process for clinics, whilst being in overall charge of our laboratory here.

	Fiona Foad, Senior Embryologist Fiona has been a clinical embryologist since 1990 and has extensive experience of all aspects of embryology and sperm bank laboratory management. For eight years Fiona was the Laboratory Manager at a large London clinic. During that time the embryology united expanded from less than 150 cycles per year to over 1400, making it one of the largest IVF laboratories in the UK. Fiona has extensive ICSI experience and has personally performed over 1000 ICSI procedures since 1994. She has helped set up IVF and micromanipulation laboratories in India and Lithuania, as well as providing embryology training and expertise to IVF clinics in Italy, Greece and Turkey.

	Rachel Wicks, Senior Embryologist Rachel has worked as an IVF embryologist since 1992 and has particular experience in embryo biopsy for pre-implantation genetic testing and blastocyst culture. As well as working for two of the UK’s largest IVF units, she spent seven years in Australia developing a satellite IVF service that gave couples in remote areas access to fertility treatment. Since joining the team at SEFC in 2005 she has set up and coordinates the Sperm Donor program and has recruited enough donors to meet the needs of our patients, despite a national shortage.

	Danielle Breen, Embryologist Danielle joined the scientific team at SEFC in January 2010. Her focus on embryology developed while studying for a medical biochemistry degree and included a module on embryonic stem cells and early development. Further to this she studied human sperm chemotaxis for her dissertation project which she completed in 2009. While studying, Danielle gained experience working in a private hospital and as a research assistant in one of the country’s leading medical sperm storage facilities. During this time she participated in the publication of journals looking into the effects of long term semen cryopreservation..
COUNSELLING
	Vicky Allen, Counsellor Along with a diploma in counselling, Victroria is CCC registered and a member of the British Infertility Association (BICA). A specialist in infertility Victoria provides implications, therapeutic and support counselling. Victoria is also a Natural Fertility Therapist, enabling her to look at a person as a whole and suggest changes in areas such as lifestyle to maximise fertility. In her role as Natural Fertility Therapist Victoria also looks at practical ways of reducing stress. For more information on Victoria’s field of expertise, please visit her website at www.thebalanceoflife.co.uk
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION TEAM
	Ruth Hardy, Managing Director Ruth has worked in healthcare since 1980, beginning her career as a medical secretary in London NHS teaching hospitals. She spent 3 years as a private practice manager in Harley Street before moving into private hospital management locally and becoming a Deputy Hospital Manager in 1998. Ruth joined SEFC in May 2005 bringing with her a wealth of experience in developing and managing patient services and healthcare businesses. Ruth is the Registered Manager of the Clinic and is responsible for the operational and financial performance of the business.

	Sherry Ebanks, Quality Manager Sherry joined SEFC in April 2009 to lead the Nursing Team whilst covering maternity leave. Sherry began her career in Assisted Conception in 1992 working in a busy clinic in Harley Street where she worked for 8 years. Sherry relocated to Kent in 2000 where she managed an established clinic in East Kent, providing a service to private patients, and was proactive in expanding this service to NHS patients. Sherry brings to SEFC a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience in the field. As such, Sherry has embraced the role of our Quality Manager.

	Sheila Swale, Administration Co-ordinator Having worked for many years in the public healthcare sector running a busy multi-GP practice, Sheila joined SEFC in early 2007. Her previous experience in patient and practitioner liaison is particularly valuable and she is committed to ensuring that good communication and discretion remain top priorities at the clinic. Heading the team of medical secretaries, Sheila also has responsibility for the administration of NHS patient services.

	Michelle Miles, Business Administrator Michelle joined SEFC in December 2009 having previously worked in the dental field for 9 years. Most recently, Michelle utilised her experience in the large corporate service sector to set-up and manage a private dental practice locally. Her role is the support the Clinic Manager and the team in the operational management of the Clinic.

	Beau Rich, Medical Secretary Beau has worked in the private medical sector for the past 3 years and joined SEFC in April 2010 as a medical secretary. She previously worked for AXA PPP Healthcare insurance company in a customer service role and has a strong understanding of the issues of confidentiality and discretion. She has completed personal development programs in infertility, endocrinology and the male reproductive system and has a broad medical knowledge. Involvement in patient administration includes electronic medical record management, patient enquiries and providing a support service to her colleagues.

	Johanna Tutt, Financial Administrator Johanna has long experience in the healthcare financial environment, having helped to set up a Business Office within a new private hospital and also worked as a Financial Administrator for a Consultant Plastic Surgeon. She also has in-depth experience of the world of corporate finance. At SEFC, her role encompasses patient invoicing, credit control and general financial administration.

	Gerry Smith, Patient Accounts Clerk Gerry joined our expanding Reception team in April 2009 having worked as secretary and administrator for the last eight years in the corporate office of a public company. As the first point of contact for customers, she and her colleagues offer a professional and friendly approach. In addition to directing patient calls and general hospitality, Gerry also prepares patient invoices and is trained to discuss the financial aspects of patient treatments.

	Teresa May, Patient Accounts Clerk In September 2009 Teresa became the latest addition to our Finance Department. She started her career in accounting as a Pensions Clerk working for the late Robert Maxwell and has also worked in London within the film industry. Having taken time out to raise her family and build a business with her husband, Teresa is now looking forward to new challenges working within a professional environment.

	Penny Davies, Receptionist Penny joined the Reception team in September 2009. She worked previously before at The Horder Centre as a Customer Services Officer involved with outpatients and radiology. Penny is the first point of contact for many of our patients and visitors to the Clinic. She shares responsibility for ensuring telephone calls are answered in a timely and friendly manner and that our waiting area is welcoming and organised.