IVF free on the NHS

[debs_si]

Hi All,

I have recently read the following on the NHS site:

The typical cost of one IVF cycle at a private clinic is £2,000. However, from April 2005, all Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) should be offering at least one cycle of IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) treatment on the NHS to infertile couples. Women must be aged between 23 and 39 to qualify for free treatment. In addition, they must either:
• have a specific problem such as absence of sperm or blocked fallopian tubes, or
• have been unable to conceive for three years despite regular intercourse and no identifiable problem.

Are you all aware of this? Does anyone know more about it?
I need to know whether this applies to women who have been steralised?
Debs

[LittleP]

I would love to see it come true.

We've been asking about this since NICE's announcement last year of their intentions to try to get it passed that couples should receive up to 3 treatments free. The answer we have been told is:

You don't qualify as you live in the wrong postcode

Well, what can I say to that

Little P

[debs_si]

Since posting this info in a few forums a lot of people have been mentioning th eNICE guidelines and also this "postcode monopoly" and also a lot of reference has been made to PCT's. It so happens that I work for a PCT but never knew that they have a part in deciding who is funded etc. I am therfore going to try and find out as much information as possible from work.

Will keep you posted.

What stage of IVF are you at? Are you going privately?

Debs

[pauline69]

Hi Debs

Just browsing through the various sites on this website - should be working though but just not in the mood

We were lucky, when I approached our PCT via our doctor we were given us 2 IVF cycles, one per financial year, so our 1st cycle was last August (-ve) and our second one is now in progress - starting stimming last night.

Have heard that if people apply now then they are only offered 1 cycle, bit this probably depends on where you live whether or not you get it.

Pauline

[LittleP]

Hi Debs

Sorry - I should have replied earlier.

We are just about to commence a new cycle - we are going privately through a new hospital in London.

We previously used one in Buckinghamshire. We don't qualify for any assistance with drugs here.

Again, apologies for not answering you sooner.

Thanks for your help with this.

Little P

[bubblymichelle]

Hi Debs where abouts in Birmingham are you from? I am from West Midlands so not so far away.
I wish IVF did cost £2000 we had our first attempt at Aldridge and it cost us just over £3000. I do know that women can have an attempt free on the NHS but the waiting list is stupid.
Love
Shell.
xx

[NickiMark]

Post code lottery!!!!! Thats all i will say.

[debs_si]

Hi all

How are you all doing?

Sorry I have not been in touch for a while, have had PC problems, but all sorted now. So I thought I would come back to up date you all.

As for me, after spending £140 on a consultation and being told by a nurse we could not go ahead with IVF egg share due to me being Sickle Cell Trait, and after querying this with my actual consultant and getting a very confusing contradictive reply I decided to send letters/emails to every clinic throughout the UK that do IVF Egg Share and explaining my situation to them. I have had a few say that they would take me on even though I am Sickle Cell Trait Clinics as far North and as far south as you can imagine and even better still finally about a week ago I got a call from a Birmingham clinic, I nearly dropped off my seat!!

They asked me to send a letter of referral from my Doc. Which I did and now I am awaiting my 1st appointment. I have been told that the all inclusive price is £525, no hidden costs.

On top of all that I have found out that the consultant who I saw at the private clinic originally is the same conultant at this hospital, not sure if that is a good thing or not we will just have to wait and see. will keep you posted

Debs

[LittleP]

Debs

That is sounding more positive - I wish you loads of luck with your appointment, have you got a date yet?

Let us know how you get on won't you.

Fingers crossed.

Little P