It will combine expertise from North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and the University of Bristol – which currently has its own private and NHS fertility clinic, the Centre for Reproductive Medicine at Priory Road in Clifton.

The unit will comprise two theatres and 11 consulting/scanning rooms and a suite of embryology laboratories. All rooms will be fully equipped with state of the art equipment.

The purpose built fertility centre is expected to be up and running in December 2007 and teams from the University and NBT will be working closely together over the next 12 months in preparation for the move.

Peter Wardle, Senior Clinical Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Bristol University and Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician at Southmead, said: “This really is great news for patients needing fertility treatment in Bristol.

“For many years we’ve had two dedicated teams in the city working at Priory Road and at Southmead. This new state-of-the-art centre will bring those teams together under one roof.

“Everyone here at North Bristol NHS Trust and at the University of Bristol is really excited about this news and the prospect of working together from next December.”

The new unit will offer a wide range of fertility treatments including fertility investigations, intra uterine inseminations (IUI), IVF and ICSI.  Fertility-related referrals will be accepted from across Bristol and the South West. NHS treatment will be subject to PCT eligibility and criteria.

Gill Ryan, General Manger at the University’s Centre for Reproductive Medicine, said: “This is a great opportunity to combine fertility services for the people of Bristol and the surrounding region.

“The new centre will provide a single patient pathway that will combine expertise and give continuity of care in a high quality purpose built environment.”