A caring and compassionate close-knit team

Ian was appointed as Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Fertility Services Lead at the QE Hospital, Gateshead in August 1998.

He spent all of his training years in Liverpool and was the Clinical Research Fellow and later Honorary Senior Registrar in the Reproductive Medicine Unit of the Liverpool Women’s Hospital under the mentorship of Professor Charles Kingsland and Jon Hewitt.

Since coming to Gateshead, Ian has led the Fertility Unit through some very significant changes including increasing the number of treatment cycles from 60 per year to over 700 cycles per year, leading the introduction of ICSI treatments, managing the movement to new, purpose-built premises in 2009, and leading the introduction of Blastocyst transfer and time-lapse embryology in 2015. Ian was also the HFEA designated Person Responsible for 22 years before passing on the role in April 2021.

Ian is currently the Clinical Lead for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the Trust and has a strong education and training interest — he is currently the Head of School of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Health Education England, North East and North Cumbria.

Ian recently sat on the Executive committee of the British Fertility Society where he was Chair of the Meetings sub-committee. He was also the Chair of the Organising Committee of Fertility 2021 online - the Annual Conference of the Joint Fertility Societies in the UK.

Ian prides himself on offering an individualised approach to fertility management, concentrating on the specific needs of the individual or couple.

Outside of work, Ian has a keen interest in sport which, due to increasing age and reduced mobility, is largely as a spectator rather than a participator!

Isaac graduated from the University of Lagos, Nigeria in 1986. He undertook postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the UK, becoming a member of the Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologists [MRCOG] in 1995, and a Fellow of the same College [FRCOG] in 2011.

He completed training in Reproductive Medicine (IVF) and undertook Clinical and Scientific Research looking into the cause(s) and treatment of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), an important and well-known complication of IVF treatment, at Newcastle Fertility Centre and University of Newcastle (1996 – 1999). Work from this research led to several publications, research prizes and the award of a Research degree - Doctor of Medicine (MD) from University of Newcastle, 2002. He has been a major contributor to the RCOG guideline on the management of OHSS.

He joined QE Hospital, Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust in 2006 as a Consultant in Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, and has continued to maintain a keen interest in the development and provision of safe and up-to-date Infertility and Gynaecological services as well as taking a lead role in research activities in the department.

Isaac is a Peer reviewer for several reputable scientific Journals, including Human Reproduction, Fertility & Sterility, British Journal of Obstetrician & Gynaecologists, European Journal of Obstetrician and Gynaecologists, and Human Fertility. He is also a member of the British Fertility Society; the European Society for Reproduction and Embryology; the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy; the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy; and the British Medical Association.

Vaideha completed his MBBS followed by postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from the University of Mumbai, India in 1998. His research focussed on evaluating the effects of Clomiphene on cervical mucus and exploring the reasons for the failure of Clomiphene in some patient subgroups to achieve pregnancy despite Ovulation Induction.

He pursued further training in the U.K and 
was awarded MRCOG in 2004 and FRCOG 
in 2016.

Having already completed training and Research in the field of Reproductive Medicine through the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in Mumbai he further consolidated his training in the field of Reproductive Medicine by working as a Clinical fellow in Newcastle Fertility Centre.

Vaideha joined Queen Elizabeth Hospital as a Consultant in Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Reproductive Medicine in 2011. He continues 
to contribute to the Maternity and Gynaecology services in the Trust as well as IVF treatment. He takes pride in being able to provide continuity of care for women on their reproductive journey from assisted conception through IVF and supporting them through their pregnancy right up to their delivery and beyond.

He continues to have a keen interest in Research in Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine. As the Research Lead for Obstetrics, he is the Principal investigator for several National Trials which in time will make a difference in improving patient care through better Evidence-Based Medicine.

Mei graduated in medicine from the University of Glasgow in 2008.

Following completion of specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology with advanced training in infertility in the North East of England, she took up a clinical fellowship at Gateshead Fertility Unit, QE Hospital to further enhance her skills in reproductive medicine and surgery and IVF techniques.

She was appointed as consultant obstetrician, gynaecologist, and reproductive medicine/IVF specialist here in 2019.

Frieda Dreyer MBChB, MRCOG has been a consultant in QEH Gateshead since 2020, having trained in the region. She has a specialist interest in high risk obstetrics, and subfertility and reproductive medicine. 

Victoria Bolton is the Nurse and Administration Manager at Gateshead Fertility. She studies Adult Nursing at Northumbria University and in 2014 went on to complete a Degree in Practice Development. Victoria is currently undergoing a Fertility Ultrasound course at Birmingham University which, once completed, will enable her to perform ultrasound clinics. 

Victoria has over ten years' experience in fertility nursing. She has a passion for providing holistic patient care and as a manager she is dedicating to developing all team members. Her aim is to ensure high standards are maintained and that exceptional, patient-centred care is delivered at all times. 

Jacqui qualified as a nurse in 1998 from the University of Teesside. She worked on a surgical ward at South Tyneside District Hospital for 4 years and in 2002, she moved to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Gateshead to work in Gynaecology. Jacqui joined Gateshead Fertility in 2009 as Deputy Sister. 

Jacqui is responsible for managing the waiting list and since 2012 has been the Donor Co-ordinator. This entails working with all couples who require sperm, egg or embryo donation. She oversees the donor selection process and supports all couples from their initial appointment, through the testing, consenting and their treatment. She is party of the LGBTQ+ staff network within the hospital as an ally to help promote the interests of these groups within both the hospital and Gateshead Fertility. 

Jacqui has also audited the pregnancy tests results and their outcome since 2013, which has been used to devise Unit policy on how the results are managed and future appointments allocated. These results have also been presented at local and National Fertility Conferences. 

Jacqui is currently a member of the British Fertility Society, European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, and the Donor Conception Network. 

Lindsey is a Fertility Nurse and has worked at Gateshead Fertility for over two years. She graduated from Northumbria University with a First Class Honours Degree in Nursing and has an Accident and Emergency background. Lindsey is the safeguarding lead and has a keen interest in enhancing patient experience. She is very passionate about both patient and staff mental well-being. Lindsey also leads the pathway for individuals accessing private treatment. 

Sharon is one of Gateshead Fertility's Healthcare Assistants. She has part of the team for seven years and has a vast amount of experience, having worked within the trust for 21 years on a general surgical ward. 

Sharon has a key role in Gateshead Fertility, being the staff member who chaperone's our patients' scans, assists during egg collections, and much more. She strives to ensure each patient feels welcome and thoroughly enjoys supporting everyone through their fertility journey. 

Sophie has over 20 years of experience as a Clinical Embryologist and joined Gateshead Fertility Unit in 1999, after studying Developmental Biology at the University of Glasgow. She has completed her post-graduate diploma in Clinical Embryology, HPCP state-registration as a Clinical Scientist, and Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (part 1).

She has also contributed nationally as an Executive Committee member of the Association of Clinical Embryologists (ACE) for 4 years.

Sophie has been involved in the growth of Gateshead Fertility including the development of the IVF lab and equipment, the implementation of blastocyst culture and time-lapse technology, and continues to focus on improving treatment outcomes for patients.

As Laboratory Manager Sophie is dedicated to developing the scientific team, embryology service, and ensuring high standards of patient care.

Rachel graduated from Glasgow University in 1994 with BSc (Hons) in Anatomy. She began her working career in Immunology, working on the development of diagnostic cancer markers. Rachel moved to the field of embryology, initially working for the London Women’s Group in 1999, and then Gateshead Fertility since 2006.

Rachel became a state registered Clinical Scientist with the Health Care and Professions Council in 2004, and Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (part 1). She has been an embryologist for over 20 years, contributing to the growth and development of the fertility service, and continues to develop her skills and expertise in line with new scientific advances.

Rachel has a special interest in particularly challenging technical procedures and enjoys being part of this evolving service.

Catherine studied Human Genetics at the University of Leeds, graduating in 1999 with a BSc (Hons) degree. She then joined the Assisted Conception Unit at Leeds General Infirmary as a Trainee Embryologist, completing her Association of Clinical Embryologists Certificate in Embryology and gaining State Registration as a Clinical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council in 2005.

In 2007 Catherine joined the team at Gateshead as a Senior Embryologist and has contributed to the growth of the Unit, with a particular interest in service development.

In 2021, Catherine assumed the role of Person Responsible to the HFEA, and as such is responsible for ensuring that Gateshead Fertility and its staff comply with the laws and regulatory frameworks covering UK fertility treatment.

Kirsten graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science in 2010. She joined Gateshead Fertility in 2012 and has since achieved the Association of Clinical Embryologists Certificate in Embryology, The Association of Clinical Scientists Certificate of Attainment, and has become registered with the HCPC as a Clinical Embryologist.

Kirsten has a special interest in Quality Management and service development.

Laura graduated from Newcastle University with BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology, an MSc in Medical Genetics, and a PhD in Reproductive Biology and Mitochondrial Genetics.

Laura worked as a Research Associate in the Reproductive Biology Department at Newcastle University examining the potential of IVF based approaches towards the treatment and prevention of mtDNA disease.   Her training began as an Embryologist at Newcastle Fertility Unit in 2013.

Laura joined the team at Gateshead Fertility Unit in 2015. She has since achieved the ACS Certificate of Attainment and gained State Registration as a Clinical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council in 2021. 

Laura has a particular interest in cryobiology and cryo-stores management.