"I feel that my referral to Tameside was completely pointless"

Referred via GP in August. No confirmation letter of referral, managed to get my details completely wrong when ringing up to chase progress.

On my initial 'consultant appointment', I had to push to get the most basic tests done (one of which was a repeat of a test carried out by my GP, which they managed to mis-time, as they refused to acknowledge that I don't have a text-book 28 day cycle).

Had to push for AMH level to be taken and HSG test to be carried out - the only positive outcomes of the experience. I felt that there was no real in-depth knowledge of fertility issues, as the hospital doesn't have a fertility specialist.

Was expected to wait until Feb/March to receive test results (this would have taken time-scale to 6 months from referral). At this point I lost patience and got stroppy.

To top it off, they did not spot the thyroid and auto-immune issue that is very likely to be the cause of our fertility issue, as they don't test for this, or even more worryingly, see a link between infertility and thyroid problems. Thank God St Mary's Hospital in Manchester picked this up!

To sum up, I feel that my referral to Tameside was completely pointless - just felt like they were stringing things out to see if I'd get pregnant in the mean time. Apart from the HSG, the other tests could have been carried out by GP. Ridiculous that there is no fertility specialist at the hospital if they take referrals for infertility.