Herts Valley CCG has announced that it is to suspend new referrals for IVF and specialist fertility services for 6 months, during which time there will be a consultation period. Bourn Hall has expressed concern over the impact this will have for those affected by infertility.
If you live in Dacorum, Hertsmere, St Albans, Three Rivers and Watford and have not already been referred for treatment then you may be affected.
The decision by Herts Valley CCG was made at a meeting on 15 June 2017 and was taken as part of a six month review of, and consultation on, IVF and specialised fertility provision.
The CCG says that in exceptional cases, for example where a woman is at the upper age limit for IVF treatment, then consultation can be considered.
There will be opportunities for all stakeholders to get involved with the review and to provide input and feedback and the dates for the public meetings are below.
Dr Mike Macnamee, CEO of Bourn Hall Clinic, says: “We understand the additional stress that this suspension of treatment places on couples struggling with infertility.”
“Infertility is a medical condition that can cause considerable emotional distress and strain on relationships. The majority of CCGs in the country fund at least one cycle of IVF and we will put the medical case for funding treatment.
“Many causes of infertility can be resolved without IVF. However, our concern is that without the potential for specialist fertility treatment, the condition is given a lower priority at primary care. Without an accurate diagnosis many people will miss out on parenthood when adjustments to lifestyle or a course of medication may be sufficient to realise their dream.”
Herts Valley CCG suspends IVF referrals – public consultations
More information about Consultations
26 June 7-9pm Penn Chambers, Three Rivers House, Northway, Rickmansworth WD3 1RL
24 Jul 7-9pm Stanborough Centre, St Albans Road, Watford, WD25 9JZ or
31 July 7-9pm Rothamsted Centre for Research and Enterprise, Harpenden, AL5 2JQ.
Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) says these are important public meetings to seek the views of local people on future spending plans. At the meetings they will be sharing proposals to reduce spending in response to growing financial pressures and the need to balance budgets. They are considering changing access to some services.
To book your place or for more information please email [email protected] or ring 01442 898884
Herts Valley IVF patients
If you are an existing patient and concerned about your treatment or a previous patient and prepared to comment to the media about how you have benefited from NHS funded IVF treatment then do get in touch
