Origin Fertility Care

Managing Director
Jenny Hall

Jenny Hall was a founder member of Nottingham University Research and Treatment Centre in Reproduction (NURTURE). She practiced embryology there from 1991 to 1999 and gained experience in all areas of infertility management. She also worked as an embryologist in Leicester and in Rome, and has conducted extensive research on male factor infertility. Jenny returned home to Belfast in 1999 and has a passionate commitment to the provision of fertility treatment in Northern Ireland. The opening of Origin marked the culmination of a four-year project to set up a private IVF unit in Northern Ireland.

Clinic Manager
Donna Tennant

Donna worked as a fertility nurse in the Regional Fertility Centre, Royal Maternity Hospital, Belfast from April 1995 until December 2004. At the RVH she held the post of ovum donation nurse and became the senior nurse/sister in July 2003 where her challenge was to build up a strong nursing team. Donna joined the Origin team in December 2004. She has long been involved with the Royal College of Nursing Fertility Nurse Group, and is a member of their steering committee. Donna became the Clinic's Person Responsible for the HFEA on 1 August 2008.

Fertility Specialist
Dr Sami Farrag

Dr Farrag has recently joined Origin as a full-time clinician. He has recently been included on the Specialist Register and joins us as a consultant. Dr Farrag has previously worked in all the major teaching hospitals in Northern Ireland, including a 2 year post as a Clinical Fellow in Reproductive Medicine at the Regional Fertility Centre, Belfast. His arrival will significantly enhance both our skills-base and our promise of no waiting list and accelerated treatment programmes.

Fertility Specialist
Dr Gillian Williamson

Fertility Specialist
Dr Kristine Steele

Kristine is a consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Ulster Hospital Dundonald specializing in Reproductive Medicine. She spent a year in Australia where she underwent training in all aspects of Reproductive Medicine at Melbourne IVF which carries out 3500 cycles of assisted conception per year. She has a special interest in male factor infertility particularly azoospermia and has published extensively in this area.

Embryology Manager
Jim McNally

Jim began his embryology career in 1995 at the Regional Fertility Centre. Prior to this he had been working in research. Clinical training and Health Professions Council membership followed and he is currently studying for part II professional examinations (MRCPath). At Origin he manages the embryology laboratory and is also heavily involved in IT and Quality Management within the unit. Areas of interest include applying appropriate methods to maximise success rates, impact of free radicals in infertility and imaging of embryo development. When not working he spends his spare time walking the dog, cycling, swimming and with his family – though not necessarily in that order of priority.

Senior Embryologist
Renee Norwood

Counselling Psychologist
Patricia McCrystal

Patricia is a Counselling Psychologist and Accredited Counsellor with a strong background in both the NHS and corporate sector. She studied at Queens’ University, Trinity College, University of Roehampton and University of Ulster. She has run clinics in both the Royal Group of Hospitals and Musgrave Park Hospital and currently provides a psychological service to a range of public and private sector clients. Patricia played a key role in establishing the counselling service at Origin and continues to manage this.

Finance Manager
Hilary Thomas

Hilary Thomas is a Chartered Accountant with experience in advising a wide range of businesses, including those in the Northern Ireland health sector. She joined Origin in 2006 and is involved in all aspects of finance and HR.