Dr Elizabeth Sherriff
MBBS FRCOG
Dr Sherriff joined St Helier Hospital in 1996 as Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with a special interest in reproductive medicine and gynaecological ultrasound.
Dr Sherriff qualified at St Thomas's Hospital in 1981 and under took the majority of her Obstetrics and Gynaecology training in South West London. She gained her experience in Reproductive Medicine at the Hammersmith Hospital under the direction of Professor Robert Winston. It was during this time that both the first ICSI cycles and preimplantation diagnosis cycles were being undertaken in the U.K.
In addition to Dr Sherriff's clinical work she also manages the Wandsworth, Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust's waiting lists for Assisted Conception treatment.
Mrs Carolyn Croucher
MBBS DFFP FRCOG
Dr Croucher qualified from St Georges Hospital Medical School, London University in 1989. Before starting at medical school she firmly believed she would become a paediatrician, but once she had witnessed the miracle of childbirth during her obstetric and gynaecology attachment she knew that was the job for her.
After qualification Dr Croucher spent some time in London and then trained at the John Radcliffe in Oxford and Bristol deaneries. She returned to London as a registrar becoming a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 1994.
Next she became a lecturer at the Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital (now part of Imperial College). Here she spent over two years with Professor Lord Robert Winston and Raul Margara learning the art of reproductive medicine and assisted conception, minimal access and tubal surgery and was privileged to learn from Professor Steve Franks and Professor Lesley Reagan, conducting research mainly towards a thesis into predicting IVF success.
Dr Croucher left to return to South London becoming the lecturer in obstetrics and gynaecology at St Georges with placements within the South West Thames region.
Dr Croucher became a consultant at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust in 2001 and was elected to Fellowship of the RCOG in 2007.
She says: "It is a privilege to help couples achieve their desire for a family and whilst at times the work can be very stressful, the rewards when you see proud parents with their children are immense. I continue to conduct research into the field of assisted conception and enjoy training our junior doctors".
Miss Christina Ding
MRCOG
Ms Ding qualified from St Mary's Medical School, Imperial College London in 1999. She undertook her general obstetrics and gynaecological training in the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, and National Maternity Hospital, Dublin and Addenbrook's Hospital, Cambridge.
She then completed her research training in the assisted reproductive unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and University of Edinburgh before spending a further two years as a subspecialist reproductive medicine trainee in one of the largest IVF units in Liverpool.
In 2010, she qualified as a sub-specialist in reproductive medicine. She was then appointed as a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at St Helier Hospital.
Ms Ding is a member of the training sub-committee at the British Fertility Society. She has published widely in international journals and has a research interest in fertility preservation.
Mr Stephen Gordon
MBBS, BSc, FRCS (Urol)
Mr Gordon trained at St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical School and subsequently throughout the southeast of England including Guy's & StThomas' hospitals and was successful in becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2006. He was appointed as a consultant at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust in 2008.
Mr Gordon works as a urologist with a special interest in male infertility and sexual function. His research has involved the use of serum markers and ultrasound techniques in the diagnosis of male factor infertility.
Mr Gordon works alongside gynaecologists treating female partners at both St Helier and Epsom hospitals. He runs a specific male fertility clinic seeing men from throughout southwest London and Surrey.
As part of this role, Mr Gordon will commonly see men in his clinic - often with their partners - to assess the reasons behind any infertility. As a urologist, he is also able to deal with any urinary or genital problems such as prostate or testicular disease that may also be present. Whilst working closely with his gynaecology colleagues he can best advise what treatment options may be available taking into account both partners.
Treating male patients with fertility concerns as a urologist allows new and innovative practices to be introduced whilst understanding the impact on a man's general health and wellbeing. He advises the South West London Cancer Network regarding fertility and the effects of cancer treatment and is currently developing further the services available to men locally regarding male infertility.
Barbara Starling
Nurse
Babs started her nursing career in 1975 when she started training as an enrol nurse. Once qualified, she worked as a theatre nurse at St Helier Hospital for the next 10 years.
In 1987, Babs took on a new role at St Helier Hospital as a day surgery nurse. During this time she completed a conversion course to become a registered nurse and also a diploma of higher education in nursing.
Babs joined the assisted conception team as a fertility nurse in 1994.
Lucille Higgins
Nurse
Lucy trained as a registered general nurse in 1988 at St George's Hospital. After qualifying in 1991 she consolidated her training on the gynaecology ward at St George's and the Samaritan Hospital for Women.
Lucy gained promotion at St Helier Hospital in 1999 and was then seconded to the assisted conception unit for nine months. In 2001 Lucy joined the assisted conception team permanently as a part-time fertility nurse specialist.
Lucy has gained numerous qualifications throughout her career including a gynaecology course, breast screening, family planning, scanning and mentorship. She has also worked as a family planning nurse since 1994.
Melissa Dakin
Nurse
Melissa started her nursing career in 1995 working as a healthcare assistant at Epsom and St Helier hospitals in women's health and gynaecology for seven years.
In 2002 Melissa started her nursing diploma in higher education at Kingston University and qualified in 2005. She worked as a staff nurse on the gynaecology ward at St Helier Hospital until October 2008 before joining the assisted conception team.
Julie Larcombe
Secretary to Dr Elizabeth Sherriff
Karen Walker
Secretary to Carolyn Croucher
Beverley Watson
Quality manager
