Patients and the public are invited to share their views on proposals to review Bury’s current policy in relation to commissioning In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) services.
The consultation will run for six weeks from Monday 6th August to Sunday 16th September 2018.
Within the An important part of the survey is to offer the opportunity for people to highlight if they feel the CCG has failed to consider something significant before coming to a decision. IVF is one of several techniques available to help people with fertility problems have a baby. NHS Bury CCG is one of only four CCGs in the country that provides IVF fully in line with NICE guidelines, including offering up to three funded cycles. One cycle of IVF comprises an episode of stimulation of ovarian function which hopefully results in one to several eggs being harvested. After eggs are harvested, the best ones are fertilised and the most viable embryo is then implanted in the womb. Any other fertilised eggs that are viable are frozen. A cycle completes either with the birth of a baby or when all the viable embryos have been implanted, generally one at a time. Bury’s projected spend for IVF in 2018/19 is around £320,000. The majority of CCGs in England offer one funded cycle. Summarising the reasons why the CCG is considering changing its policy on commissioning IVF services: After reading a consultation document which includes information about the reasons why the CCG is considering changing its policy on commissioning IVF services, views can be fed in through a survey on a range of options. The options include continuing to offer up to three funded cycles of IVF; reducing provision to two funded cycles; reducing provision to one funded cycle and moving to providing zero funded cycles and therefore no longer funding IVF services. Dr. Jeff Schryer, Chair of NHS Bury CCG said: “We know that infertility is a very difficult issue for those affected by it. As part of a review of all services that we plan and purchase, we have been faced with some very difficult conversations including considering whether IVF services should continue to be funded as they currently are.” “Whilst the CCG Governing Body felt that other types of healthcare should take priority over the current level of funding for IVF services, it did not highlight a preferred option and instead wanted to consult on the full range of options with local people. The challenging financial situation we face means that maintaining the current level of provision of IVF would mean that we would need to consider other areas of healthcare in order to make the required savings.” Feedback from the consultation period will help to inform the Governing Body to make a decision on the future provision of IVF in Bury at its meeting on 26th September 2018. The Governing Body meets in public and will publish the outcome of the consultation on its website, through social media and via the press and media. How to get involved: Access the consultation document. The format of the six week consultation is as follows: ENDS Date: 6th August 2018 For press & media enquiries: NHS Bury CCG’s Press Office: buccg.communications@nhs.net / 0161 253 7636