GW Fertility - Mandatory Shutdown!!! Anyone can shed a light?

[Anonymous]

I'm sure it's pretty time consuming to clean a lab that houses embryos, eggs, sperm, etc. I'd rather them take time to properly clean than rush and contaminate anything.

[Anonymous]

The problems are not that they're cleaning their lab or canceling an appointment when someone is late. The problem is that they aren't giving patients proper notice and explanation. Dr Widra told me months in advance that SG's lab was being cleaned and exactly what could and couldn't be done at that time so I could decide to squeeze in my IVF beforehand or wait until the new year. As for the cancellation, it's totally appropriate except that it should not take that long to get a new appointment. Time is important when dealing with fertility issues and administrative issues like these are inexcusable.

[Anonymous]

I don't know of any other medical facility that completely shuts down for weeks to clean. Never heard of such a thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't know of any other medical facility that completely shuts down for weeks to clean. Never heard of such a thing.

You must not get out much. CCRM, SGFC, etc., they all do it. Here is a video explaining the importance of shutting down the lab for a deep clean.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhO4X7vn_80

[Anonymous]

It's normal for labs to close for cleaning. It's not normal for it to be announced at the last minute. When I had a consult in November at a clinic, I was given the dates for the Dec and June closings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's normal for labs to close for cleaning. It's not normal for it to be announced at the last minute. When I had a consult in November at a clinic, I was given the dates for the Dec and June closings.

Agree

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The problems are not that they're cleaning their lab or canceling an appointment when someone is late. The problem is that they aren't giving patients proper notice and explanation. Dr Widra told me months in advance that SG's lab was being cleaned and exactly what could and couldn't be done at that time so I could decide to squeeze in my IVF beforehand or wait until the new year. As for the cancellation, it's totally appropriate except that it should not take that long to get a new
appointment. Time is important when dealing with fertility issues and administrative issues like these are inexcusable.

Agree

[Anonymous]

I just called there this week and they are only closing until August 3. So, a week shutdown - normal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problems are not that they're cleaning their lab or canceling an appointment when someone is late. The problem is that they aren't giving patients proper notice and explanation. Dr Widra told me months in advance that SG's lab was being cleaned and exactly what could and couldn't be done at that time so I could decide to squeeze in my IVF beforehand or wait until the new year. As for the cancellation, it's totally appropriate except that it should not take that long to get a new
appointment. Time is important when dealing with fertility issues and administrative issues like these are inexcusable.

Agree

I agree. I love GW and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Dr. F but we had several experiences with GW where we weren't given important information (e.g., nurses going on maternity leave and you find out by e-mail bounce-back). Hopefully when they are fully staffed up again they can begin to address some of the communication issues. My experience is that they are totally on top of it when you are in-cycle. Between cycles is a different story.

[Anonymous]

Cornell in New York also shuts down twice a year.

[Anonymous]

But Cornell announces way in advance