THE country's first integrated fertility hospital has opened its doors at Daresbury Park.

The Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH) is one of only a few in Europe which offers a full range of fertility services all under one roof.

Normally infertile couples seeking help would be directed to different specialists in gynaecology, urology and fertility as part of their treatment.

Mr Luciano Nardo, clinical director and person responsible at the Centre for Reproductive Health said: "The centre, which is one of only a few of its kind in Europe and the only one in the north west of England, offers patients the very latest technologies and the highest quality of individualised integrated care to ensure the best possible outcomes. I am delighted to work with a highly skilled and strongly committed multidisciplinary team that makes the real difference to each patient's story."

The clinic is fully accredited with the Care Quality Commission and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.

The staff based at the centre were able to add their own imput as to what was needed at the hospital and among the new facilities is a fully equipped operating theatre for day case surgery.

Managing director Simon Shepherd added: "Because the clinic was designed by consultants and embryologists, and because we offer much more than just IVF, we can carry out all the investigative procedures that may be required by infertile couples. Our team are gynaecologists first, and fertility doctors second – working very much with the interests of what is important for the patient in mind."

The clinic is fully accredited with the Care Quality Commission and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.

Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans helped to open the centre along with guests included the Mayor of Halton Clr Shaun Osborne, along with representatives from the suppliers that help to create the centre and other local businesses.

He said: “I am pleased to visit The Centre for Reproductive Health to learn more about how they are supporting couples seeking fertility treatments. Couples struggling to build their own families need both emotional and medical support during their journey. I am very proud that we have such an innovative facility here which will support couples across the north west.”