Following last week's decision to ask Maureen Dalziel to step down, Angela McNab has been appointed as new Chief Executive of the UK's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).
In a statement Suzi Leather, Chair of the HFEA said she was sure that Angela McNab was the right choice in the light of the modernisation agenda of the authority. Comparing Ms McNab's successful previous posts within the health sector, Ms Leather said 'I am confident that she has the right skills to lead the HFEA through a period of rigorous improvement'. Ms McNab said 'the challenges of 21st century treatment and research require a 21st century regulator. I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Authority to achieve this'.
Meanwhile, the HFEA has welcomed a Government announcement that it will receive significant additional funding, details of which were unveiled in the Government's response to the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee report on developments in human genetics and reproduction. The report criticised some of the work of the HFEA but acknowledged that the authority was under-funded.
The new funds are designed to assist the authority to further develop regulatory processes and improve communication with clinics, patients and the general public. Some of the new funding will be met from central funds, but some will come from private patients, who face an increase in the fees they pay for fertility treatments. Commenting on the Government's decision, health minister Hazel Blears said 'Britain is placed to be a world leader in human genetics and embryology research. It is essential that the HFEA is a strong and efficient regulator'. Suzi Leather said the funding increase 'signals Government's commitment to maintaining Britain's position as a world leader in infertility treatment and embryo research' as it will allow the authority to make significant improvements in its operations.
Sources and References
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Fertility fees to rise
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HFEA welcomes Government announcement on extra funding
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