Increased Provision Of Fertility Treatment For Couples In East Of England

Main Category: Fertility
Article Date: 03 May 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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Infertility Network UK (I N UK) has welcomed the news that patients across the East of England will, from 1st May, now have access to up to three cycles of fertility treatment on the NHS.

Clare Lewis-Jones, Chief Executive of I N UK and Chair of the National Infertility Awareness Campaign (NIAC) said "This is great news for patients across the 14 PCTs in the East of England area. It is five years since the NICE Guideline recommended eligible couples receive three cycles of fertility treatment and is good to see at least some PCTs now working to this recommendation. We would now urge those PCTs who still do not provide patients with access to three full cycles or who apply such restrictive social criteria to reconsider their policies and follow the example of the East of England and put an end once and for all to the postcode lottery which denies patients the treatment they deserve."

Infertility Network UK receives thousands of calls and equally numerous emails from patients every year. The most frequently asked question is on NHS funding and whether they are entitled to it or, even more frequently, why are they NOT able to get NHS funding. Patients with queries on the level of funding provided by their PCT can find this information on the new 'Funding for Fertility' section of the I N UK website where an interactive UK map links directly to all PCTs where information is recorded on how many IVF cycles are funded, the number of cycles conducted annually, waiting times and access criteria restrictions to accessing treatment.

Patients can also find template appeal letters to send to their PCT and MP. The individual pages will be updated as and when are supplied with new information. You can access all this information by visiting http://www.fundingforfertility.co.uk

For more information visit the national charity's website at http://www.infertilitynetworkuk.com .

For support on involuntary childlessness visit http://www.moretolife.co.uk.

Source
Infertility Network UK

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