Ipswich and East Suffolk to keep NHS IVF

Ipswich and East Suffolk CCG is to continue to provide two NHS-funded IVF cycles after incredible feedback from the public. Its consultation on whether to cut the 2 IVF cycles it offers to 1 or 0 resulted in more than 1400 pieces of feedback from the public.

Susan Seenan, chief executive of Fertility Network UK and co-chair of campaign group Fertility Fairness said: ‘It is heartening to hear that health bosses in Ipswich and East Suffolk have listened to the views of patients and the public and have committed to continuing to fund NHS fertility services. The news will be an enormous relief to the 1 in 6 couples in Ipswich and East Suffolk who need medical help in order to become parents, and will give hope to the many other patients in England who are facing potential cuts to NHS fertility services; this is a fantastic example of people power.’

Commenting on the consultation, Ipswich and East Suffolk CCG chairman Dr Mark Shenton said: “The level of feedback has been incredible, which highlights the passion people have for their NHS. From this feedback and with input from local health professionals, governing body members have been able to reach these decisions. I believe these are the right decisions and show how good patient engagement is essential when planning changes to services that will affect the lives of so many people.’