Jo Churchill MP has today written to Dr Ed Garratt, Chief Officer of West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Ipswich & East Suffolk CCG following the announcement from West Suffolk CCG and Ipswich & East Suffolk CGG to consult upon proposals to reduce the number of NHS-funded in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles they offer from two, to either one cycle or to stop offering the treatment.
Jo Churchill MP said: “The announcement from West Suffolk CCG to consider plans to reduce the availability of fertility treatment in local hospitals is concerning for patients. That is why I have written to Dr Ed Garratt to ascertain what these proposals may mean for patients, particularly those commencing or already receiving IVF treatment.
Furthermore, with CCGs across East Anglia also consulting upon plans to reduce or withdraw support for fertility treatment, I want to know what impact on availability the decision of other local NHS groups will have on the provisions and accessibility of treatment to patients in Suffolk and Ipswich.
It is essential the clinical commissioning groups are open and honest about the provisions made available to local areas. However, it must also be a priority of CCG’s to manage the health and wellbeing of patients. As yet, no decision has been made over this service and these proposals are currently in consultation and open to the public to comment on, until 5th September.”
The next meeting of the community engagement group of NHS West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group will take place on Thursday 25th August from 2-4.30pm at the Haverhill Arts Centre, High Street, Haverhill, CB9 8DR. The agenda for the meeting includes the proposals to changes to IVF services in West Suffolk.”