NICE Guideline Helps End Regional Variation Of Access To Fertility Treatment, UK

Main Category: Fertility
Article Date: 29 Jun 2009 - 5:00 PDT

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The number of local health services implementing NICE's fertility guideline and offering three cycles of IVF treatment to couples who are unable to conceive naturally has increased significantly in the past year, according to a new survey published by the Department of Health. According to these new figures, more than a quarter of primary care trusts now offer the full number of cycles recommended by NICE- this figure is up from five per cent in 2007.

Published in 2004, NICE's fertility guideline sets clear standards by outlining which types of treatment offer couples the best chance of conceiving, based on the best available evidence from around the world. Full implementation of the recommendations will mean that couples throughout the country will benefit from a consistent and coherent approach to fertility treatment.

A NICE spokesperson said: "Whilst the implementation of our guideline on fertility is a matter for government and the NHS at a local level, we welcome the news that the number of local health services offering three cycles of IVF treatment has increased in the past year and that more IVF treatment is available on the NHS than ever before.

"Trusts should now continue working towards offering three full cycles of IVF as quickly as possible so that there is consistent and fair access to fertility treatment in England and Wales."

Speaking at PCT Commissioners' Fertility Conference on 18 June, Health minister Gillian Merron said: "It is good news for people seeking fertility treatment that the NHS is making excellent progress in providing fair and consistent access to IVF. The option to become a parent is something most of us expect to have. People who cannot conceive naturally should have access to NHS treatment, just as they would for any other clinical need."

NICE is calling for the NHS to use the criteria set out in the NICE guideline so that they can be confident they are working to evidence based standards. NICE is also working hard to support local NHS bodies to put the guideline into practice and its local implementation consultants are available to offer support and advice to PCTs and Trusts on implementation issues.

Source
NICE

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