Health bosses praised for beating fertility treatment targets

Tayside’s health board has been praised for beating a key Scottish Government target in relation to fertility treatment.

New figures have revealed 100% of IVF patients in Tayside began treatment within 12 months of referral, surpassing the benchmark set by ministers at Holyrood.

Health boards have a target to begin IVF treatment within 12 months for 90% of eligible patients.

Statistics revealed all of the 79 patients seeking support began IVF treatment in Tayside in 2017. NHS Fife also recorded a 100% record, with 71 patients beginning treatment within 12 months of referral.

Dunfermline and West Fife MSP Shirley-anne Somerville, said patients in Scotland received the “fairest and most generous” access to IVF in the UK.

The Scottish Government announced last year that women under 40 referred for fertility treatment would be eligible for three rounds of IVF.

During the quarter ending December 31 2017, 81% of patients across Scotland were screened within six months.

Ms Somerville said: “It is great news that the Scottish Government’s IVF waiting times target has been well exceeded, with 100% of patients in Fife beginning treatment within a year of being referred.

“IVF treatment can be life-changing, giving those with fertility problems the opportunity to start a family.

“But it can also be a nervewracking wait – which is why it’s so important that treatment begins on target.

“The SNP expanded the availability of IVF treatment, giving those who need it the fairest and most generous access in the UK.”