Do you live in Cheshire and Merseyside? If so, please do take a few moments to comment on proposals to reduce access to NHS-funded fertility treatment in the area.
At present, there are different policies in different parts of Cheshire and Merseyside and the ICB (Integrated Care Board) wants to reduce what is offered to one cycle of IVF for those who are eligible across the region.
This will be a reduction in the level of treatment people can access across most of the area.
Cheshire East currently offers one cycle, but Cheshire West, Liverpool, St Helens and Wirral will all see a reduction from two cycles and Halton, Knowsley, South Sefton and Warrington will all see a reduction from three cycles. It is hugely disappointing and will have a big impact on people in the area facing fertility issues.
The local Integrated Care Board (ICB) has launched a consultation on the proposed changes to local fertility treatment policies, running until 15 July 2025.
We would urge anyone who lives in Cheshire and Merseyside to complete their survey and express your feelings about this (and there is nothing to stop you completing the survey if you live elsewhere) – you can cut and paste the link here https://www.cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk/get-involved/current-consultations-and-engagements/share-your-views-on-proposed-changes-to-fertility-treatment-policies-in-cheshire-and-merseyside/
Tell them what impact this would have on you, especially if you are waiting for treatment or in the middle of treatment.
The proposals are not in line with what NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) has said is clinically and cost-effective and it’s important that you get in touch and let the commissioners know what you think.