Funding boost for IVF couples

FUNDING for fertility treatment in Warrington is to be increased, health chiefs have announced.
From April 1, three cycles of in-vitro fertilisation – commonly known as IVF – will be available to eligible patients in the town, compared with the current policy of allowing only one cycle.
Dr Andy Davies (pictured), clinical chief officer of NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group, and local GP, said: “Infertility can have massive impact on the health and wellbeing of the individuals affected. We are pleased to offer this change to the policy, with the entire governing body voting in favour of the increase.
‘As a doctor I hear directly from my patients the effect struggling to conceive can have, not only on the individuals involved but to the wider family and friends as well. I hope this small change will make a very big difference to our local population.”
In April last year, a three month consultation was launched requesting the views of local people on the Cheshire and Merseyside policies of lower clinical priority. This included IVF.
Dr Davies added: “Many thanks to the local people who took part in the consultation and gave their views. They really do help us come to a decision.
“The change will now be implemented across the area and put into practice from April. We would encourage local people whose eligibility to access fertility treatment may have changed, due to the increase in cycles, to speak with their doctor’s surgery for further information.”