NHS IVF funding is now the same for everyone across Norfolk following a decision by South Norfolk CCG to offer funding for two cycles from 1st April 2019.
South Norfolk CCG took the decision to restrict IVF provision from 1st January 2016 and has only provided funding in exception circumstances. This created a post-code lottery in Norfolk, with some people eligible for two cycles of treatment and others none at all.
Dr Thanos Papathanasiou, regional lead clinician for Bourn Hall comments: “We are delighted that NHS South Norfolk CCG has taken this positive step and removed the post-code lottery in Norfolk.
“Now all patients will have the same pathway. If they require IVF treatment and meet the strict eligibility criteria they will be offered two funded cycles of IVF. About half our patients get pregnant with each cycle of IVF so this gives a real chance of a family for couples struggling with infertility.”
“In addition, the availability of funding also encourages people to seek advice on fertility as they know treatment will be available. Only a few of these couples will require IVF treatment and for many simple lifestyle changes or medication to boost egg production will be enough to improve their chances of a natural conception and their overall health.”
The NHS is reinstating the provision of IVF to all eligible women in South Norfolk, bringing it into line with the rest of Norfolk and Waveney, from 1st April 2019. NHS South Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) will fund two cycles of IVF for women aged between 23 and 39 who meet the eligibility criteria, and one cycle of IVF for women currently aged between 40 and up to the age of 42.
If your GP is part of the South Norfolk CCG (check our CCG map) then you need to talk to your GP first. If you are eligible for funded treatment then you can choose to be referred to Bourn Hall. The availability of funding changes rapidly and is not guaranteed, so if you are offered funding you do need to act quickly. Note, only a few people struggling with infertility require IVF so it is best to get good advice as soon as you can – we provide more information about this below.
Last year Hannah from Norfolk wrote this to us on Facebook:
“What can we say?! ‘Thank you’ doesn’t seem to do it justice! After nearly 5 years of trying to start our family, thanks to the incredible staff at Bourn Hall in Wymondham we welcomed Eva Mae into this world on 30th April. One year and one day after she was ‘made’, we were so pleased to be able to return to introduce her to some of the team. You have made our dreams come true and we will be forever thankful to you all. Xxx”
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