Fertility nurse assistant / ultrasonographer
Annette Bolton is a fertility nurse assistant and ultrasonographer at TFP Simply Fertility.
A committed member of the nursing staff, Annette thrives on being part of a dedicated team where everyone works together to care for and support patients.
Annette has been with TFP Simply Fertility since March 2016 and came from a background in fertility nursing, gaining her fertility ultrasound qualification in 2013. Prior to that, she worked in general practice and so her professional ethos has been as much about patient care as about the fertility specialism she loves.
She advises patients on their medication, devises treatment plans and teaches them how to inject themselves where required.
“I feel extremely privileged to take part in each patient’s journey, from the start to the end of their treatment, providing much-needed medical care, as well as that supportive environment that they need. This extends to making sure each patient has the space and time during their appointment to ask and understand everything that is happening. Sometimes this means an appointment may overrun, and I ask each patient to bear with me because I give the same opportunities to everyone I see to be fully informed and comfortable with what is happening to them.”
“I love it when our patients return as parents, bringing their new babies to meet everyone at the clinic. It’s such a time of joy and rejoicing and it often provides a real context for our families, as they recognise the journey they’ve been on, and how far they’ve come.”
Annette’s latest endeavour is creating a brand new patient support group for anyone considering, starting or going through fertility treatment in the area. Although it is based at the TFP Simply Fertility clinic in Great Baddow, it is not limited to just patients of the clinic and is open to anyone in the community experiencing fertility questions and issues, including patients having treatment elsewhere.
“There are lots of pre and post-natal support groups for expectant and new parents but very little for those who are experiencing fertility issues or having fertility treatment.
We identified a real gap locally and recognised that many people can feel isolated and alone when they realise that becoming pregnant and having a baby is just not happening for them. The group is just starting, and we aim to be informal and a place of welcome and support. We plan on inviting guest speakers and to be somewhere where people can come for information and advice as they evaluate their options, go through treatment, meet others in a similar situation and work out how to move forwards.”