The Prime Minister And The Health Minister Show Their Support For Nhs Funding For Fertility Treatment, UK

Main Category: Fertility
Article Date: 16 Jul 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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The biggest issue in infertility treatment today is the postcode lottery, and recent figures issued by the Department of Health confirms that many Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) are still failing to provide patients with access to NHS treatment.

Speaking at the Westminster reception, Health Minister, Dawn Primarolo, said "When arriving at the Department of Health as a health minister I found that, that, regrettably, the issue around the provision of fertility services in the NHS, despite the massive steps forward in treatment, despite the ever increasing number of couples seeking that infertility treatment was still not good enough." She went on to speak about the small number of PCT's who have fully implemented the guideline saying, "over time only eight or nine PCTs have managed it and that clearly can't be right".

Speaking on this the Minister stated that "the quality of some of the access criteria being applied leaves a lot to be desired" The event was attended by MPs, patient organisations and families who have benefited from fertility treatment to name but a few.

Clare Brown, Chief Executive of Infertility Network UK and Chair of the National Infertility Awareness Campaign is angry at the lack of NHS Funding but was comforted by the minister's comments saying " We have had strong messages of support from both the prime minister, leader of the opposition as well as cross party support throughout the UK. It is appalling that even with the Prime Minister and Leader of the Conservative Party supporting fertility treatment; many couples are still unable to access it"

The Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Gordon Brown has issued a message of support for National Infertility Day. "I recognise couples' heartfelt wish to have children and their need to do all they can to make this happen. The Government is working directly with Infertility Network UK, as well as experts in the NHS to ensure the needs of people with fertility problems are recognised and addressed. National Infertility Day is a time for people to share experiences and hear about developments. It is also a time for people with fertility problems to reinforce the message that their needs are important."

The Leader of the Conservative Party, David Cameron MP also supports National Infertility Day. "This is an important event in recognition of the vital importance of infertility treatment to many families across the UK. We will continue to hold the Government to account on the issue of access to high quality fertility services"

At the event, the Minister also stated "I wanted to be here to assure you that, despite the barriers and difficulties, I am determined that a route and a direction will be set that cannot be changed and that takes us to the point where we have the NICE guideline being operated by all Primary Care Trusts. We want to make sure infertility services are provided in the NHS, by the NHS, for NHS patients"

In response to this Clare Brown went on to say "I am heartened by this statement by the Heath Minister and pray that at last we are seeing a true way forward in ending to the postcode lottery which we have fought to eradicate for many years."

Sharron Davies, former Olympic gold medalist who was also a guest at the reception with her son Finley said. "If it wasn't for IVF we wouldn't have Finley which just doesn't bear thinking about and if it wasn't for National Infertility Day, many patients wouldn't have the information they need to help them in their efforts to have a family"

National Infertility Day is a unique event aimed at raising awareness of infertility and all the surrounding issues and providing support and information to patients, their friends and families. It provides delegates with an opportunity not only to gather information but also to discuss infertility issues in general. For more information and to book on line visit http://www.nationalinfertilityday.com.

http://www.infertilitynetworkuk.com