H E A LT H C A R E ad v er t i s i n g feat u re
eggs and some may need a surrogate to carry a baby for them when they are unable to themselves. The treatment of infertility will depend on what is causing the problem so a full medical history is key often with some tests to identify the cause.
Iqroop Chopra
Consultant Spinal Neurosurgeon, Nuffield Health, Cardiff & Vale Hospitals www.nuffieldhealth.com/ hospitals/cardiff-and-vale What is your clinical role? I am a Consultant Spinal Neurosurgeon, practicing at the Nuffield Health Hospitals in Cardiff Bay and the Vale, at Hensol. My NHS base is at the University Hospital of Wales and University Hospital Llandough, where I have the pleasure of being the Clinical Lead for spinal services. Why did you choose this profession? As a child, I was always fascinated with the workings of the nervous system. Whilst at medical school, two of my close friends were left disabled from brain and spinal injuries after a motorbike accident. This inspired me to train as a neurosurgeon. What is it that makes your practice unique? Being able to perform a combination of orthopaedic and neurosurgical spinal procedures as a result of my unique training and fellowship. What’s the best bit about your job? The satisfaction of being able to improve my patients’ lives and living up to the trust they place in my hands. What is the most preconceived perception about what you offer? A sizeable number of people I treat do not require surgical intervention. Most spinal conditions can be treated by non-operative intervention.
AMANDA O’LEARY
Medical Director Centre for Reproduction & Gynaecology Wales (CRGW) 01443 443999 / 01174 409999 www.crgw.com Why do people have trouble getting pregnant? Around one in 6 couples will encounter problems getting pregnant, after two years of trying. Some women can encounter infertility even after having a child previously. Single people and same sex couples also desiring children will have causes of the reasons why they cannot have a baby. What are the main reasons why some people are unable to have babies? A third of infertility is attributed to women, a third to men, and a third is a combination of the two, or is ‘unexplained infertility’. Reasons for people unable to have babies include hormonal problems, the inability to release an egg, too few or no sperm, a blockage preventing egg and sperm meeting and female age, to name but a few. What can be done to help people get pregnant? Sometimes a simple medical solution such as some simple medication will enable a pregnancy to result. Some people will need a surgical solution for their infertility while others will need assisted conception with treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), IVF and ‘ICSI’ where we can inject sperm into eggs when men have sperm problems. Some people may need donor sperm or donor
64 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
What should people do who are unable to get pregnant? Individuals and couples should see their GP, to see what tests and treatments can be offered on the NHS. For those individuals who require private investigations or treatments, we offer all of these services at CRGW. What makes CRGW unique? CRGW was set up entirely for people unable to have a baby. We have standalone clinics in Cardiff and Bristol, where patients are seen in a friendly, relaxing, purpose-built environment. We strive to offer costeffective, state of the art solutions to infertility, with a caring team able to support patients through what is often a stressful time, while enabling them to have unrivalled access to their team at a time when they need it most. How can couples find out more, or ask questions? We hold regular open evenings where we talk about cause of infertility and treatments, and where you can chat to members of the team one on one. We also have an ‘ask an expert’ button on our website where your questions can be asked electronically and our expert panel responds. Some people prefer to book a consultation with us, where we can begin to investigate and treat their inability to have a baby. How do we contact you or arrange an appointment? Via our website or by calling the clinic direct. If you want an appointment, you don’t need a GP referral. One of the friendly team at CRGW will be able to answer questions or book an appointment for you.
David Pemberton
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Nuffield Health, Cardiff & Vale Hospitals www.nuffieldhealth.com/ hospitals/cardiff-and-vale What is your role? As well as being a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, offering private one-to-one consultations and surgical treatment, I am also Medical Director for Nuffield Health Cardiff & Vale Hospitals. Why did you choose this profession? I was always interested in life sciences, engineering, mechanics and sport. Being mainly ligament, tendon, bone and joint surgery, orthopaedics encompasses the lot. What is it that makes your hospital unique? We have the best and most experienced surgeons in the country. With 23 years at consultant level, I’m now amongst the most senior knee surgeons in Wales. Through outstanding teamwork, we advise our patients before and after surgery, to get them back on their feet as quickly as possible, and enable them to enjoy their lives, doing what they like best. What is the most effective procedure you offer? Joint replacement – it almost invariably cures pain and restores function, resulting in greatly improved quality of life.