‘Poorly run’ IVF quiz could be in line for rerun
ACONSULTATION on cuts to fertility treatment may have to be re-run after a health watchdog found it had been ‘poorly conducted.’
Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) was proposing to reduce IVF courses for women under 40 from two cycles to one - or potentially scrap the treatment altogether.
Health bosses said they were facing ‘real financial challenges’ and cutting the number of cycles on offer could save more than £1m over the next five years.
A six-week consultation asked people for their views - with bosses stressing the importance of ensuring public money was spent in the most effective way possible. But opponents of the proposals said the exercise was ‘misleading’ and ‘not fit for purpose.’
Stockport United Against Austerity complained the consultation went against NICE guidelines - which prescribes three courses of IVF for women aged under 40 - and omitted ‘important evidence’ from the Human
Embryology and Authority.
Their concerns have now been backed up by Stockport Healthwatch - which has taken the unprecedented step of recommending the CCG produces a new consultation after finding it was ‘poorly conducted.’
In its response to the CCG, Stockport Healthwatch says the consultation was ‘not robust enough’ to ensure ‘full and proper’ engagement with the public - and should be redrawn along the lines of the ‘more thorough’ and detailed
Fertility 2013 exercise.
Identifying one of the flaws in the consultation, Stockport Healthwatch’s response states: “There is evidence to suggest IVF has a cumulative effect with the increase in cycles and the information needs to be presented to ensure people know about this before making an informed response to the consultation.”
It also cites research from charities that has found cutting fertility treatment could lead to lifelong mental health problems, ultimately costing the NHS more.
And there are also concerns the cut could hit those on lower incomes hardest as the chances of conception will naturally decrease while they save up for private treatment.
Responding to the findings, Dr Cath Briggs - GP clinical chair of Stockport CCG - said: “We have reviewed and reflected on the report from Healthwatch Stockport colleagues and it is clear that we need to stop and thoroughly review the consultation process we have undertaken.
“We would like to thank everyone across Stockport who has given their views and assure them that we will work with Healthwatch to agree the information and consultation process going forward, learning the lessons.”