Kathryn Berrisford

Laboratory Manager

Specialties:

Embryology

Kathryn has been Laboratory Manager at Care Fertility Nottingham for five years, following 14 successful years as Deputy Laboratory Manager. In her role, she is responsible for the laboratory, overseeing a team of 10 embryologists, practitioners, and support staff. Kathryn actively analyses and reviews data to enhance understanding and improve Care Fertility's clinical and scientific embryology practices.

Training

Kathryn's extensive training journey showcases her commitment to professional development in the field of embryology. In 2000, she achieved certification as an ICSI Practitioner, followed by becoming a Biopsy Practitioner in 2001. She later pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Embryology from 2002 to 2004 at the Institute of Biology, enhancing her theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field.

Kathryn then pursued a Leadership and Management Apprenticeship Level 5 from 2022 to 2023 through the Institute of Chartered Management. Kathryn also serves as a lecturer and trainer on the Care Fertility Masters course, affiliated with Liverpool John Moores University. Additionally, she holds the roles of nominal licensee and Person Responsible for HFEA research projects, showcasing her commitment to maintaining high standards in research and development.

Career

Kathryn's embryology career began at Care Fertility Nottingham in 1999, after spending 3 years as an ART technician on the Embryology Masters Course in Nottingham. At the time, Care Fertility consisted of only 1 clinic, and Kathryn joined a team of 4 embryologists, 2 of whom still work at Care Fertility. In 2022, Kathryn started her Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Embryology, running alongside her hands-on training in Nottingham.

Since 2001, she has been an ICSI and biopsy practitioner. By 2003, Kathryn became the Deputy Laboratory Manager and achieved State registration. Progressing further, she became the Laboratory Manager in 2018. Throughout this period, Care Fertility expanded into 17 UK clinics and over 50 embryologists.

Kathryn played a crucial role in implementing various advances and innovations in the lab, including the implementation of the PGT program, time lapse incubation (followed by the roll out of CareMaps and CareMaps AI), and the introduction of vitrification. Additionally, she has participated in numerous HFEA research projects, presenting findings at both national and international conferences and symposiums.