A SUPPORT service for couples struggling to have children was launched in Liverpool yesterday. The creation of Infertility Network UK, from the merger of two previous charities, was announced at a national health conference in the Crowne Plaza hotel. It will form the largest information and support network in the country for those experiencing fertility problems. Clare Brown, chief executive of Infertility Network UK, said the organisation aims to support patients right through medical treatment. She sai d: "Whatever patients need, we will endeavour to help - even if it is just showing the way forward. "This is an exciting time for us as a charity and a positive move forward for all infertility patients. "It is especially important given the imminent arrival of guidelines for infertility treat-ment due out from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in February." Infertility Network UK has been formed from the merger of the national infertility support network Child and the national fertility association Issue. This is the second time Liverpool has hosted the Association of Clinical Embryologists and the British Fertility Society annual conference. Charles Kingsland, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the reproductive medicine unit at Liverpool Women's Hospital, said this marked the city as a centre of excellence in infertility treatment. He said: "It is nice for Liverpool that we were chosen as a venue because it means we have been recognised as one of the best fertility centres in the country." Infertility Network UK also launched a new video at the Association of Clinical Embryologists and the British Fertility Society conference which will give information and support to childless couples. Featuring case studies of people undergoing treatment, it takes the viewer through the journey they face while going through diagnosis and medical procedures. The campaign is backed by television presenter Anthea Turner, who is the voice-over on the video and has suffered fertility problems. She said: "There is a great need to have someone who can truly identify with how you are feeling through that long and traumatic j ourney through infertility treatment. "I am proud to be involved with the film and to support the work of the charity." Infertility Network UK provides a 24-hour telephone service offering help, advice and support and an evening telephone counselling service run by professionals. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Nice) is due to publish NHS guidelines on the assessment and treatment for people with fertility problems in February The Association of Clinical Embryologists and the British Fertility Society conference ends this evening. | 
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