A couple from Dorset expecting to receive two cycles of IVF on the NHS has
spoke out against the trust after being told they could have access to only
one.
Natalie and Stuart Cranston were referred to the fertility service at
the Royal Bournemouth Hospital in 2007. After an alleged misdiagnosis, the
couple transferred to the Dorset County Hospital but on learning of an 18-week
waiting list, they sought private IVF treatment. However, following a successful
procedure Mrs Cranston later miscarried.
NHS Bournemouth and Poole had advised the couple they could receive up
to two cycles of IVF on the NHS before Mrs Cranston reached 39 years of age. However,
a recent change in policy means women must now be referred before the age of 35,
with treatment complete before they turn 37. The couple has now been told that
they will receive just one cycle on the NHS.
Mrs Cranston, who is 38 years old, said: 'It's incredibly unfair that
couples who have been in the system for a long time waiting for their IVF to
start are being let down. I understand that funding is an issue and tough
decisions have to be made, but they should not be applied to couples who are
already on the waiting list'.
Commenting on the news, Mr Cranston said: 'We desperately want a child, we've been
told our chances of having a baby through IVF are high and we've endured a slow
medical system only to be let down when we reach the final hurdle'.
NICE guidelines recommend that women between the ages of 23 and 39
should be offered up to three cycles of IVF treatment on the NHS.
NHS Bournemouth and Poole claims its change in policy will provide:
'more opportunity for positive outcomes for couples and to ensure there is
effective targeting of resources'. A spokeswoman for the trust said: 'We recognise that the updated policy
will affect some couples and have implemented transition arrangements to help
with this depending on their individual circumstances'.
'We understand that this is
an emotive subject and have worked closely with couples as well as making the
policy information available through the local hospitals and GPs to provide
guidance', it said.
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