Written question WQ91289
- Asked by
- Rhys ab OwenIndependent
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 11 days
Question
Further to the Minister's response to OQ60654, what consideration has the Minister given to guaranteeing free NHS IUI and non-IVF fertility treatments across all Welsh health boards?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
People who meet the criteria for NHS IVF treatment are entitled to two free cycles of IVF treatment. IVF treatment is commissioned through Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee (WHSSC)
In relation to IUI, NICE guidance states if that if a pregnancy does not occur after six cycles of IUI, fertility tests should be offered and If test results are normal, another six cycles of IUI should be offered before other treatments such as IVF are considered. This can be up to 12 cycles. Pre-IVF fertility treatment such as IUI is the responsibility of health boards to deliver following National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance and they may not fund all 12 cycles.
NICE is updating its guidelines for fertility assessment and treatment to be published in the autumn, and consideration will be needed at that point on any impacts to current arrangements.