A regulator has said that a fertility clinic can reopen after it was closed for five months due to the “tragic loss” of some embryos.

Homerton Fertility Centre in Hackney first had its licence suspended by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) on March 8 this year.

It came after it was found there had been three incidents at the unit that resulted in a number of embryos either not surviving or being undetectable altogether.

In May, the HFEA announced that the clinic’s licence would remain suspended until August while its investigation continued.  

But the regulator has now said that the clinic can reopen on August 8, having introduced “new ways of working”.

This includes staff now working in pairs and increased security at access points in the unit.

Homerton Healthcare NHS Trust has said that the incidents which resulted in its closure were caused by “problems in some freezing processes”.

Each incident took place last year and they were all reported to the HFEA.

According to the regulator, in May, the correct procedure had not been followed whilst placing frozen embryos into storage.

Then, in October, some embryos frozen and cryo-stored at the centre displayed a lower rate of embryo thawing survival rate.

Two months later, it was reported that some embryos were not found during embryo thaw.

It is thought as many as 32 patients have been impacted by the problem.

The clinic will now see a “phased return” to providing treatment, chief executive of HFEA, Peter Thompson, said.

He added: “The clinic remains under a heightened degree of regulatory oversight and the HFEA will closely monitor it, including an unannounced inspection within the next six months.”

Homerton Healthcare Trust chief executive Bas Sadiq said: “We would like to apologise again to all the patients affected by the suspension of our fertility services."

She added: “Our primary focus remains the safe management of our patients.

“Following the HFEA’s decision, we have begun planning for the gradual resumption of services. We will be reaching out to patients soon with updates.”