Friday 11 July 2008

Our petition to North Yorkshire PCT to fund IVF

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INSTRUCTIONS
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Click on the 'Comment' link at the bottom of this page to register on our petition - we shall pass the results on to North Yorkshire PCT.


Please feel free to post any comments, experiences and thoughts along with your name and home town if you wish.

Remember that the decision by North Yorkshire PCT was a purely financial one. 95% of the UK are able to receive assisted fertility treatment on the NHS. An official recommendation was made by the Government that it should be provided and this was backed up by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. Yet North Yorkshire PCT remains one of four PCTs that refuse to offer the service unless the patient meets a very strict criteria - the female must be between 39 years 6 months and 40 years old or have 'exceptional clinical circumstances'.


104 comments:

Mike said...

As the writers of this blog, we are registering our disappointment that North Yorkshire PCT have chosen, purely for financial reasons, to ignore both the Government and NICE guidelines (that the provision of IVF and other assisted conception methods should be available to all through the NHS), leaving distressed couples with no choice but to fund their treatment privately.

Mike and Nicole, Harrogate

Anonymous said...

It is disappointing that in this so called enlightened age, that help cannot be made to deserving cases within the NHS and not to rely on the “post code” lottery due to poor budgetary control in the NHS. This problem relates to IVF, funding for some cancer care, and certain age related treatments. IVF is of primary concern, because the people requiring it want a child and will bring it up with love, and is bound to be a responsible adult of the future. The NHS should look at themselves to foster this requirement

Anonymous said...

The NHS falls short of funding in many areas, and even more so these days, everyone with any kind of health issue within thier family group can relate to this. There are areas that should be re examined within the funding structures and the IVF issue is one of these.

Anonymous said...

As someone who went through assisted conception via Huddersfield and Calderdale health authority, I truly know the impact this has on your life. Again the post code lottery comes into play, which has a damaging effect on thousands of people in the UK. I hope your petition gets the budget holders of our national service to think about the bigger impact.

Anonymous said...

Infertility Network UK leads the National Infertility Awareness Campaign which is fighting for fair and equitable NHS treatment for eligible couples. We will continue to do so until this totally unfair postcode lottery is ended. Susan

Anonymous said...

The most galling aspect of this is the financial reasons for the decision. This means that a taxpayer in North Yorkshire is in part helping to fund other couples IVF treatments in other parts of the country while not receiving equitable treatment.

lizzie said...

This is very very wrong. Why should your decision to live in a particular area of the UK disqualify you from receiving the help and support you need in order to have a baby? I thought that we lived in a democracy in the UK - equal for all - what a mockery this postcode lottery for IVF treatment makes of this. I really hope you succeed in altering the PCT's decision not to fund IVF treatment. In my eyes, if someone else in similar circmstances has received such treatment in the UK, albeit not in North Yorkshire, then surely it is your RIGHT to receive the same.

Anonymous said...

Taken from the PCT website:

"The PCT aims to deliver healthcare services that are equitable to everyone regardless of age, disability, race, ethnicity or national origin, gender, religious belief, sexual orientation, domestic circumstances, trade union membership (or non membership), social or employment status. However, if we have mismanaged our funds and you live in North Yorkshire we will ignore the statement above and you’re on your own."

Anonymous said...

We are in exactly the same situation - having to save to fund treatment ourselves just because we have a Harrogate postcode. It is ludicrous. If it wasn't for a mistake by a so-called GP in the first place, I wouldn't have to be having fertility treatment. Thank you for setting up this petition - you have our whole hearted support....and good luck.

Anonymous said...

(MOVED FROM ANOTHER POST)

I had an eptopic pregnancy 2 years ago after 2 years of trying to concieve. I had to have major surgery and have been left with a damaged fallopian tube. I could concieve again naturally but after 2 years nothing. If however I did my tube is so damage that the chance of another eptopic is probable. We were referred to the IVF clinic (after being told by the consultant in harrogate that we had 3 free ivf cycles on NHS)
We had to halt the process as we had not taken into consideration the huge cost. Family have offered to help, but having a baby is expensive without having to pay to make one. We went through a terrible experience loosing a baby that we were so looking forward to. It should be every couple god given right to become parents. I have a South African friend who lives in Leeds who had free IVF treatment, I do not begrudge this but how come I am a British born tax paying citizen and I am refused the chance to be a mother.

Anonymous said...

I'm in a similar situation. I've been told my chances of ever conceiving natually are "highly unlikely". I'm two years away from their required age group. By the time I'm 39 and 6 months I bet they'll have moved the goal posts again. I've been paying tax and NI for nearly 20 years and through this have been funding other peoples' IVF and those people who have kids, claim benefits and can't be bothered to go to work to support themselves.

Anonymous said...

As recent first time parents we know how precious a gift a child is and strongly believe that every couple should be allowed the opportunity to receive assisted conception regardless of their postcode. We wish you every success in your campaign to overturn the North Yorkshire PCT's decision.

Anonymous said...

We are currently under going ivf at the LGI in Leeds. As we live in Harrogate we too are having to pay for our treatment privately. We feel it is unfair that couples in neighbouring towns and cities are given the support from the NHS. The whole process is emotionally stressful enough without having the finacial burden too. We are both tax payers and would have hoped that we too would get the same NHS treatment as other couples throughout the country. With one cycle costing approximately £3,500 we hope and pray it will work first time.

Anonymous said...

If today was April the 1st I would have thought this to be a sick joke. I cannot understand who on earth would approve this policy. I am 31 years old and currently taking clomid due to infertility problems. If this doesn't work I will have to wait 8 years to get it on the NHS!

Anonymous said...

I think it is absolutely outrageous that North Yorkshire PCT are charging for this treatment. It is so unfair that couples get treated differently because of where they live. I am currently undergoing fertility treatment free through funding from Cheshire PCT and I am shocked that N.Yorkshire won't do the same. I really, really hope that this petition makes the powers that be in N.Yorkshire PCT realise that they must find money so that everyone across the country can all be given a fair chance at having children.

Anonymous said...

People employed in the UK have NI contributions taken from their pay by the government to fund the NHS so they can have free medical treatment as needed. Infertility is a medical problem like any other and often requires a degree of urgency because of the decrease of fertility with age.
Because N Yorkshire PCT has financial problems a decision has been taken to deny couples in their area infertility treatment on the NHS however these couples have paid for medical treatment through their NI contributions. Maybe it is time to query the right of the government to take NI contributions from individuals whilst at the same time allowing PCTs to veto treatment for their medical conditions.
The post code lottery system must be stopped if it is allowed to continue then anyone anywhere could be denied NHS treatment-which they have paid for-or have it withdrawn whilst people living 15 miles away with the same condition could receive NHS treatment.
The present government has had 10 years to get the NHS right yet is allowing this disgraceful system to continue.
Gordon Brown says he is listening well lets hope he has time to listen to this brave Blog

Anonymous said...

We too are the victims of the cost cutting at Harrogate - we went on the IVF list in June 2005 - when it still existed - and at that time was "only" 2.5 years long. By the time we reach the specified age limit we will have been on the list for 5.5 years and trying for a family for 8.5 years. To cancel the funding is utterly ridiculous - at last count there were around 90 couples on the waiting list -the cost of providing a cycle of IVF to each of those couples is negligible. The PCT are doing the smallest amount possible in order to stay within the guidelines - how many of the decision makers have had difficulty concieving ?? What really annoys me is that they will only fund when you reach 39.5 years of age when the chances of concieving are dramatically reduced. I'll get off my soap box for the time being but as someone who feels verys trongly about this please contact me if I can assist further!!

Anonymous said...

It doesn't make sense. Why should your decision to live in a particular area of the UK disqualify you from receiving funding for IVF. The postcode lottery is a joke - all in the UK should receive the same treatment.

Anonymous said...

Scandalous

Anonymous said...

How can people be denied the joys of parenthood because they are deemed too young for treatment? Where is the common sense in denying IVF treatment to anyone under the age of 39.5? Everyone knows of the increased risks assosicated with 'geriatric' mothers and the additional costs to the NHS for their care.
Personally I would prefer my tax and NI contributions were used to help a loving couple have the child that they have been dreaming of for years than used to keep some useless sponger at home when they don't give a toss about their kids.

Anonymous said...

Everyone should have a right to choose when they have a baby - not becuase of where they live or how old they are but by wanting to bring a child into the world - my partner has cancer and we are going to come across the same problems.

Anonymous said...

I think its disgraceful. It shouldnt be a postcode lottery.

Good luck to all those that are affected by this, hopefully with enough support things will change.

Anonymous said...

This is grossly unfair and heart breaking for those adversely affected by the local PCT's decision to ignore national guidelines. I fully support this petition - good luck.

Anonymous said...

Post code lottery and spin doctors strike again! Its incredible to think the local PCT get away with the spin that they provide IVF treatment on the NHS when the small print ensures almost nobody qualifies and if they do are only given one cycle at an age when the chances of success are already reduced. Good luck with your petition

Anonymous said...

I am lucky enough not to be affected by this but some very close friends of mine are and its wrong that they shouldn't get treatment when they have both worked and paid into the system and never claimed anything-to add insult to injury it was a doctors error that has put them in this situation in the first place. I sincerely hope that with enough support this ruling will be altered so everyone has the same chance of having children across the nation.

Anonymous said...

This is outrageous. I know several people who need IVF treatment and who are having to fund it themselves. Its so unfair that these people are being treated differently just because of a postcode.

I fully support this petition.

Sarah said...

Myself and my husband have had one failed attempt at IVF and with the cost for myself at £4200 (due to high dosage of drugs i need) i will only be able to have one more attempt. Is it not my human right to be given the chance to have a baby, please chance the policy as this will affect the rest of my life

Anonymous said...

We support your campaign and share the frustrations with North Yorks PCT. We have been listed on their waiting list for 3 years now and it took 3 years to even get a letter out of them in the first place to update us on their Policy. We have now self funded 3 cycles without success. The Policies of the Trust are prejudicial and illogical. Their Policy is nonesense. Just 12 miles away in Leeds the waiting list is just 2 months.

D&L

Anonymous said...

Disgraceful, we are on this frozen list!! Who knows when we will ever get our free go. It needs to change.

Anonymous said...

It's just plain wrong - where you live should have no impact on whether you are provided with IVF or not.

This is unfair and I totally support your petition and hope that it will make someone of use somewhere rethink their position.

We shouldn't be making a difficult situation worse for couples.

Good luck to you both and all others in a similar situation.

Anonymous said...

We had two cycles of IVF, the second of which miraculously resulted in the birth of our precious son. I can only thank god that we were in a position to fund the treatment ourselves as otherwise we would almost certainly have remained childless, our chances of a live birth having been calculated at a single per cent even with the aid of IVF.

The Human Rights Act provides the right to marry and start a family so if this is a recognised, basic human right, why does the health authority feel that it is of insufficient importance to deserve funding? It would be interesting to know the precise legal position on that.

Heather, Romanby N.Yorks

Anonymous said...

IVF funding across the country is disgraceful. Everyone should have the right to try for a family, unforuntately for some of us that means using assisted conception techniques access to which shouldn't come down to money.

Anonymous said...

Having paid your tax and national insurance contributions throughout your working life to support the likes of the NHS it seems totally unjust that the medical treatment you receive should depend on where you live. The policy of the North Yorkshire PCT is discriminatory and should be revoked with immediate effect to allow childless couples their right to receive treatment.

Anonymous said...

As I understand the NHS was set up to make medical treatment and care freely and equally available for everyone in Britain. National Insurance contributions paid by almost everyone are intended to permit the NHS to provide such a service to everyone who needs it. It is called the National Health Service.
This principle of treatment for all is not being applied equally to all wherever they live. The postcode lottery is being applied to infertility treatment in the Harrogate area in that couples who need help cannot have it. The PCT in its wisdom has decided not to fund such treatment. Surely a couple who wish to have children is one of the most deserving causes not one of the least as the PCT have decided.
We hear numerous examples of money being squandered by the PCT. It is time they took their responsibilities seriously and behaved as a professional body.
Aneurin Bevan would be ashamed.

Anonymous said...

This policy does not only add to the growing postcode lottery but is also discriminative against lower income people who can't afford treatment. I would still be on the waiting list now if we hadn't been in a fortunate position to be able to self fund our treatment. As I sit here and type this, looking at my resulting 1yr old twins, I wonder just how much tax they're likely to put back into the economy when they grow up - must far out weigh the cost of their creation.

Anonymous said...

Ian & Benni
Knowing people in the same situation we feel that if they can do free IVF in some parts of the county they should also be able to do it in Harrogate.We think its a joke everybody should be given the same opportunity.

Anonymous said...

It is beyond belief that the NHS can put such effort in to almost trying to ensure that only perfect children are born.

The real focus should be on allowing all to enjoy the fantastic privilage of parenthood.In the fourth richest nation in the world such petitions should not exist.

Martin Holden

Anonymous said...

It's complete madness that Harrogate taxpayers are funding couples in other parts of the country without being able to benefit themselves. I very much hope that you are successful when this gets presented to the PCT.

Anonymous said...

My cousin was conceved by IVF and without it he would not be here.
I think its disgusting and I wish you all the best of luck with this petition.

Anonymous said...

What gives you the right to decide whether a person of a certain should have children or not? YOu are letting down people who need your help.

Anonymous said...

I completely agree with this petition, what the PCT is doing to so many people is very damaging. We were told we had to wait two years to be eligible to for the free IVF treatment, then 2 months before we got to the end of our 2 year wait we got the letter from NYPCT stating that the funding would be frozen! I now have another 3 year wait until I reach the 39 year age, and all the while my fertility continues to decline as I get older! I feel so let down and very depressed.
Anon - Ripon

Anonymous said...

The postcode lottery continues for English couples! I can't quite believe this is true. If you lived 5 miles in a different direction then everythings is fine? Why?

Anonymous said...

We implore the NHS/PCT to re-examine the decision to deny IVF to deserving couples, the NHS seems to be able to find funds for numerous administrators etc, but limits funds for IVF purely by the post-code lottery system.

Anonymous said...

The formation of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence in 1999 was intended to stop health care by postcode.
Despite NICE providing level 1 evidence supporting IVF treatment in cases of infertility, North Yorkshire and York PCT still will not provide a suitable treatment service.

Since the formation of NYY PCT by merging Hambleton & Richmondshire Primary Care Trust, Craven, Harrogate & Rural District Primary Care Trust; Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale Primary Care Trust and Selby & York Primary Care Trust This along with the absorption of large quantities of debt, there are now areas of financial constraints which are reducing clinical effectiveness across the board.

So as well as petitioning the PCT directly regarding IVF I would suggest they consider the the main reason for its existence - Providing clinically effective, evidenced based health care.
Which at present as this petition identifies it is failing to do.

Anonymous said...

I have two friends in a position to need IVF who are out of the age criteria at the moment. They are both in their early thirties. Why make them wait another 8 or 9 years?

Anonymous said...

It's difficult to know where to start with an issue like this other than to have huge sympathy with the couples of North Yorkshire being effectively denied a basic medical procedure.

And of course, the postcode lottery doesn't just apply to IVF but is endemic across the NHS and one day may well a an issue at a NHS trust close to you! One has to ask what has happened to the billions of extra funding we are providing.

How do we allow these unelected and undemocratic bureaucrats to decide how to spend (sorry, waste) our money. Yes, this is not NHS money - this is our money we pay in tax and national insurance. Meanwhile, health tourism florishes and if you require a sex change on the NHS, in many areas this is quite feasible!

We now pay as much into the NHS as the top tier European countries and our health care would be an embarrassment to the third world.

Anyhow, good luck with the campaign and if you want at least one positive angle to this, you should receive treatment in a private facility, far away from the vermine and disease crawling all over our hospitals.

Anonymous said...

I think it is so unfair that the future of people and families is been decided by the NHS. Working with children i see every day the enjoyment and the love that parents give their children. The chance to have children should be given to everyone, regarding the age or where they live. It makes me so sad that this is not the case.

Anonymous said...

I think the total mess the government is making of running the NHS in an efficient manner is just one example of how poorly this country is being run.

It's a shame that there is one rule for one, and another for someone else, based purely on their location within the UK.

The NHS should provide IVF treatment to everybody; we all pay our National Insurance, and we should all receive the same level of care.

If the NHS are going to withdraw (or severely restrict) certain services depending on patient location, then these patients should expect some kind of refund - but that won't happen, will it?

Unknown said...

Its terrible that it comes down to a postcode to whether you get free treatment or not!

woffle said...

I strongly believe that every couple should be allowed the opportunity to receive IVF regardless of their postcode.

Anonymous said...

Get your act together NYPCT. Provide the services that the local communities deserve. The health service is funded by the country and the services provided should be the same whether you are in Penrith or Penzance.

2hottie said...

Its only right that everyone is given the chance to have a child. My Mum an Dad had to go through the long winded process costing them thousands but it went well now I have a twin bro and sister who are 14 years younger than me!!

Anonymous said...

North Yorks PCT...please re-consider your decision to deny funding for IVF. The gift of parenthood is a precious one & should be above any short-term financial decision.
Please re-consider.
Some things are worth more than figures on a spreadsheet.
Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Another example of postcode healthcare provision. NYPCT shoudl follow Gov an NICE guidelines and provide the service that the rest of the country is receiving.

Anonymous said...

it's shocking, everybody should be given a chance to have children!

Unknown said...

shows the immorality of the postcode lottery. 'One' country indeed.

Anonymous said...

It's disgusting Mike and Nicole aren't allowed the same treatment as other couples purely because of where they live!

Anonymous said...

The postcode lottery seems grossly unfair. The PCT's stance not only is against current guidelines, but seems it seems crazy to wait until 39 years of age, as the chances od success are much less.

All the best guys. It's admirable what you've done to try and change a deeply flawed system

Mark and Caroline, Cheshire

Anonymous said...

I think its disgraceful. It shouldnt be a postcode lottery.

Everyone who needs it deserves the right to be able to have at least 1 cycle funded

Anonymous said...

The lack of available funding in your area disgusts me. For me the worst aspect is the inconsistency throughout the country on something which can have such a significant effect on people's lives. I hope by raising awareness of the problems in your PCT that gerater funding can be found for loving couples who to gain access to treatment or at the very least, the PCT using more reasonable criteria.
Good luck

Vernon

Anonymous said...

The idiocy of their age range says it all. A classic example of an insult to one's intelligence.

Anonymous said...

My daughter and son-in-law are paying their taxes like everyone else. It is disgusting, therefore, that as they live in Harrogate, they are having to fund their own IVF programme when those who come under other PCTs throughout the country are receiving free NHS treatment. The description in the Oxford Dictionary of the word "national" reads "common to the whole nation". The NHS was introduced in 1948 with the sole purpose of providing a health service to all. The Government needs to "get a grip" and remove the postcode lottery whereby local PCTs can make their own decisions.

The agony of hearing my daughter and son-in-law telling me how desperate they are for a child is hard enough, but the added distress they are going through worrying about the funding for this from their own pocket makes me very angry and disappointed. The whole experience is an emotional rollercoaster.

They have every right to receive their treatment on the NHS as other couples do in other parts of the country and I trust that those who make decisions within the NYPCT have a conscience and a rethink without delay. The NYPCT is acting against Government and NICE guidelines and should, therefore, be brought to account.

It is my prayer that all those in Harrogate and York will receive NHS funding and be blessed with the gift of child.

I wholeheartedly support your campaign.

Anonymous said...

to bring harrogate in line with most trust's they should fund ivf! please sort now!!

Anonymous said...

to bring harrogate pct in line with most of the uk's trust's then they should fund ivf,it is unfair to discriminate against certain areas just because of overspending in other areas!!

Anonymous said...

The lottery of treatment as described in the comments above is unfair. How PCT's spend their budgets is perhaps another issue entirely but given that the vast majority do provide IVF I express my support for Mike and Nicole's right to be granted the treatment, based on need, not because of where they live.

Anonymous said...

"Ditto" to all of the above - Good Luck with your campaign

Unknown said...

I think this is appalling and your treatment should be funded.

Anonymous said...

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence recently refused the use of expensive new kidney drugs as they were not cost effective. They also said they would implement three free cycles of IVF treatment to infertile couples who want to have children. As I work for a major healthcare company, I agree we should have cost effective medicines available to all and the industry is going through major change due to this but it is totally crazy that cost has come into both extending the life of patient to a couple (like Mike and Nicole) who are genuinely wanting children.

Anonymous said...

We would like to register our disappointment as a couple going through IVF, we have to fund this ourselves, just because of our Harrogate postcode. We started on the waiting list over 2 years ago when we were told we would have at least one attempt free and as such have never put funds aside for this only now to be told that we do have to fund it ourselves. That is very unfair.
Caroline and Mark, Harrogate

Anonymous said...

Our daughter and diabetic son-in-law have had to pay for sperm recovery, over £2,000, due to the NHS in Harrogate not doing any of these operations since 2004. They now have to find over £3,000 a 'shot' for their IVF.

Our NHS policy makers have their priorities so muddled that there seems to be unlimited money for killing babies but none in the Harrogate Area for those desperate to have a family.

J&J T, Harrogate

Anonymous said...

I still can not believe the UK is so behind it is way of thinking, here we are the founds of IVF some 30years ago and we are now the worst country in Europe for giving the aid needed. Our country is so caught up playing God to make money they have forgot the purpose of helping people which our hard earn Tax's are to paying for. If this is going to by the way forward for the NHS then they should reduce the Tax's paid so people can afford the private option

Anonymous said...

By offering IVF at all the decision makers are seemingly indicating that they understand why would be parents would want such treatment and are showing a commitment to it and yet the narrow six months window not only shows a complete lack of sensitivity but is a total contradiction.

Furthermore, by only offering the treatment to mothers who are aged nearly forty they will be forcing some couples who have no alternative to leave having a child to an age where there are much greater risks (which they must of course be aware of).

I believe that in a developed society like our own free IVF treatment for those who need it should be considered a basic human right. If it is not then we have missed the point somewhat.

I very much hope that this decision has been taken quietly by a junior administrator and will therefore be appropriately adjusted by their seniors once they have become aware of it.

Anonymous said...

Ir iis a real shame that couples living in North Yorkshire who do not fall in to the really tight age brackets for NHS IVF treatment will miss out on being able to try for a baby purely because of where they live.
Surely at 39.5 years of age your chances of success are much less than for a younger person. This policy adopted by N Yorks NHS seems crazy. Lets hope they listen to this petition.

Anonymous said...

Hi Guys,

Just checking in to read the latest updates - keep up the pressue and the good work. We are about to embark on our 3rd privately funded IVF cycle - I think the PCT are working on the basis that by the time they reinstate funding we will all have had to self fund so will have saved them money !!!.

Kate

Anonymous said...

My husband and I find ourselves in exactly the same difficult position. After trying to conceive for 5 years and having lost both of my tubes, IVF is now our only hope. We are both fit and healthy and in our early 30s!! So far we have had to fund 2 private cycles of IVF. At the fertility clinic there are many people receiving treatment from their local NHS Trust - Total postcode lottery and living in Harrogate means you loose out straight away. You have our total support, all the best & Good Luck with the treatment.

Anonymous said...

Our first child was through IVF so we know at first hand how essential this service is. We were fortunate enough to be able to afford to go private but many couples are simply not able to and that is why the PCT must rethink their position.

Anonymous said...

I cannot credit that you have received no replies to you contact with individual mambers of the PCT do they think you are going to go away quietly hasn't any one of them got any moralls at all. The legality of the situation baffles me. How can they legally deny you access to the national health service to which you have had to contribute

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike, I rang the PCT when they sent out their original letter about cancelling funding and no one bothered to get back to me either - I have also emailed out MP twice - he couldn't be bothered to reply either - its madness - keep up the good work.

Kate

Unknown said...

Mike and Nicole, you have our full support in this desperately unfair situation. Our thoughts go out to you.

Ian Cathi and Tom.

Anonymous said...

After 2 years & 2 months i rang up leeds IVF to be told that theres no funding for IVF in north yorkshire,
i was totally destrought, There was me thinking that our treatment will be starting soon, when that was not the case at all,
I had no letter to inform me or my husband that funding had stopped and that the only thing i can do is to phone them back spring next year to see if funding has restarted,To top it off i was also told that couples have been waiting since 2005.
Dont they think that we are being punished enough without this bomb shell being dropped on us

Anonymous said...

We too are living in North Yorkshire and paid for IVF privately last year, unfortunatly it was unsuccessful. We have heard that funding is beginning again this year for those on the waiting list. But due to the fact that my partner has a child from a previous marriage, we are not eligible. Where's my rights to become a mother i ask??? The system is all wrong!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulatiosn peeps - we are one of the lucky ones - we are finally getting our go on the NHS - after funding 3 tries ourselves - its good to hear when it works. We've had to spend around 10k with nothing to show for it. Good luck with the pregnancy and the twins !!!

Kate

Anonymous said...

Reproduction is the most basic and one of the strongest needs and desires we have... well most of us. It's why we live, so that we can live on by our children. Now we are being refused that biological right? Fertility rates are dropping, mostly due to us being in constant contact with chemicals, preservitives and who know what else. Yet we are still being denied while people on the Doll are being paid to pop out babies like rabbits! And we, the tax payers who cannot conceive are the ones to pay for them. Not only that but how much of NHS funding gets wasted on drink induced incidents and smokers who refuse to quite surprisingly end up with a related disease? And I wonder what fraction of that cost would equate to what would be spent on IVF and assisting couples through the anguish and depression of not being able have even a single child. Why are my taxes being spent on others' self induced problems, but I see nothing of it?

Anonymous said...

Hello. Hooray I have finally found somewhere to forward my frustrations regarding the lack of consideration for couples needing fertility treatment. I am new to the site and myself and my partner have been waiting for IVF treatment for some time. Unfortunately we missed getting onto the list before it froze as we did not move to York until Dec 07. At that time we lived in West Yorkshire. Correct me If I am wrong but I think or i'm lead to believe that W.Yorks are funding 3 IVF attempts? I am absolutely disgusted by the lack of treatment and funds for IVF treatment in North Yorks and surrounding areas so please accept myself and my partner's name for the petition.
At this time I would also like to add and I apologise if this as already been suggested( I am new to the site and I have not had the opportunity to read through all the bloggs, so forgive me) a further comment. As you are already probably aware of this but at present there is no list at all of all the potential couples requiring IVF(300+), this means that if and when the doors do finally open for the go ahead of IVF treatment all us 300+ couples are going to have to AGAIN get in touch with our GP's for a referral for IVF. This is because the PCT's and GP's are unable to hold a list. After just speaking with my GP regarding the above they also agreed that there is no way of them knowing who requires fertility treatment as they do not keep a record.ARGGGHH. I have been informed that unless we keep in-touch with our GP's, read the news and press releases we will not know when funding is finally available. I therefore would like to ask as this has also been mentioned if all those interested would like to form an unofficial list so that when the time comes we can take the list to those who need it(GP's etc) so that they can contact all those on the list and inform them of the good/bad news what they need to next. I for one think this is a good idea, at least that way we will all be in the know and no-one gets forgotten or misses out on treatment.I apologise again if this as already been suggested and if it has please add me onto the unofficial waiting list.

Regards

Debbie and Ben York.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your comment Debbie - you are correct in saying there is no 'waiting to go on the waiting list' for people who aren't on the original waiting list. Anyone that found they needed IVF after that list closed has to wait, keep on watching and hope they hear about a new list being opened - once it is, they will have to go to their doctors, be referred and join the queue. Email me on m.danford@mixd.co.uk and I will email you the best contacts in order that you can chase them and find out as soon as possible.

West Yorkshire PCT only funds one course of IVF I believe though - ceratinly not three.

Anonymous said...

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guideline clearly states that all fertility patients in the UK should receive three full cycles of fertility treatment funded by their PCT. Yet North Yorkshire PLC have told me that I will have to self fund all of my ICSI treatment for the foreseeable future. I wonder how many of the board members had difficulty conceiving?
From a distressed couple desperate to have their own family.

Anonymous said...

Was told yesterday that our only chance of having a baby was through IVF. Also told that because my husband has had children from a previous relationship, we are not entitled to even try for NHS funding of even one cycle of IVF. This is completely unfair and has taken away MY right to have a baby. No offence but they can't seriously think that being a step mum in an way can ever make up for the BIOLOGICAL NEED to have my own! Devestated and now don't know what to do...

Anonymous said...

We need ivf and its so upsetting to think daily its never able due to high cost!

Mrs Abba said...

This month my husband and I received the devastating news that we are unlikely to become pregnant without the help of IVF. I am just 25 and my husband is 27! We have been told that we both have sub fertility! We think that is disgusting that we are not eligable for treatment purely due to the location of our house! We feel powerless, confused and extremely angry.

Helen said...

What a complete and utter joke our PCT is! We have been on the infertility rollercoaster now for almost 4 years and have had 3 failed cycles all self funded. The fact that our PCT ignores the Government and NICE guidelines is appalling.

The response from the PCT is, as always, a smack in the face to all the sub-fertile couples. Are we meant to be happy that our PCT is now beginning to fund those who got on the list before May 2007? BIG DEAL! How long will it take to clear this list? Years! Especially when the IVF unit most of us would use - the LGI, is doing deals with other PCTs; Cumbria for example, to treat people on their lists so that they can free up their backlog! How decent of them! What about North Yorkshire's backlog? That might be why the wait is so long even for self-funders at the LGI and getting longer.

Ah well, at least by the time it has cleared and up for 'review' I will be within the age range eligible to go on it. Only 8 years to go. I'm sure it will whittle away... along with my statistical chances of conception.

Anonymous said...

IVF SHOULD BE FREE FOR AT LEAST ONE CYCLE. IF YOU BECOME MORBIDLY OBESE YOU CAN HAVE FREE NHS HELP, IF YOU ARE AND ALCOHOLIC OR DRUG USER, FREE NHS TREATMENT. I AM INFERTILE DUE TO NO FAULT OF MY OWN WHERE IS MY HELP?

Anonymous said...

Mike - excellent blog which I have only just come across. Count on our support. We are in the process of being referred to the specialist fertility unit in Leeds after trying to conceive for 2 years without success (we are in that awful 'unexplained infertility' bracket). It galls me that not only is there no NHS support for those of us with a Harrogate post-code, we still have to join a waiting list in order to pay through the nose for our fertility treatment. And here's something else to consider; a friend of mine is a midwife at Harrogate Hospital, a department which is currently understaffed and underfunded. Many expectant mothers who dont like the look of St James' or LGI are choosing (of their own free will) to have their babies at Harrogate. So it seems its a Leeds postcode you need if you want total freedom of choice. somewhat unfair, it seems...

Anonymous said...

The North Yorkshire PCT should be ashamed of themselves - I wonder if those making the decisions have ever experienced the expense and stress involved in fertility treatment.

Anonymous said...

i am disgusted by north yorkshire pct, i am being referred for IUI and was told that there is no funding available what so ever but it will be reviewed in sept/oct and to keep in touch with my gp to find out wots happening this is terrible and needs sorting. Has anyone started a petition for downing street? maybe if we did this and got as many signatures as possible they will rethink andd stop messing with our chances of having treatment! I bet none of them have any stresses of concieving, they have no rite to go against the NICE guidlines and not fund the 3 free goes as stated!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike,

Could you give me a call? I am writing a piece about the IVF postcode lottery for the Sunday Telegraph. I am on 020 7931 3562 or my email is laura.donnelly@telegraph.co.uk if you want to email me some contact details.

Best,
Laura

Anonymous said...

It's an absolute disgrace that couuples in N Yorkshire are penalised due to the poor financial management by the PCT. In addition to not funding treatment they have in our case failed for 10 years to identify our fertility problem and always told us we had no issues. This has turned out to be incorrect and now we know it may be too late to do anthing about it.

Kellie Reed said...

Hi

I suffered a rare form of female cancer 6 years ago, the removal of which has caused adhesions meaning my remaining fallopian tube is in tatters. I am not permitted to be on the waiting list for IVF as my husband has a child from a previous relationship. I feel very betrayed by the NHS and that I am being penalised for who I fell in love with. I intend to fight but don't hold out much hope as I was told by one of the members of the decision making panel that it would be in vain. I can only hope that this petition and others like it make a difference.

Anonymous said...

Being a woman of 26 that has discovered in the last year I am unable to conceive naturally it is devestating to find that North Yorkshire will not fund any IVF. I am on a low income and pay my taxes yet the people who have made this decision are robbing me of my dream of becoming a mother. How they can justify the reason as being financial is beyond me when I believe no one has the right to play 'god' with someone elses life. I also have the added problem that my partner has a daughter from a previous relationship, how can it be that my chance of mother hood is to be 'mum' to a little girl i see 4 days a month? whay should i be penalised for who i have fallen in love with and the decisions they made in the past? Any one who has suffered and is suffering the same heart break as me knows just how real this injustice is.

Anonymous said...

I moved to North Yorkshire due to my husbands work commitments in March 2009, it was only after we moved that we found out we would need IVF with ICSI. I hope funding comes through this year so that myself and everyone else have a chance.

Anonymous said...

I am 38 years of age and am extremely disappointed that North Yorks PCT will not fund at least one attempt at IVF. I have heard that in 2010, although it was agreed for one free cycle from April, this has now been put back due to the funding not being available. It is a case of constant false hope. This is very unfair for the amount of tax paying adults who never claim a penny but if we lived in neighbouring Leeds we would be eligible. Words cannot express my disatisfaction as to their decision.

Anonymous said...

Its absolutely disgusting this provision should be able for everyone throughout the country. Just think og all the unnecessary upset you are putting couples through at this particularly hard & stressful time anyway

Anonymous said...

I strongly believe that every couple should be allowed the opportunity to receive assisted conception regardless of their postcode. I find it shocking that my partner and I are being told that we will receive no assistance for 10 years due to our ages. We have already been told we have almost no chance of having a child without fertility treatment.

Anonymous said...

I feel totally disgusted that people are given treatment on the NHS for preventable conditions such as a gastric-band for obese people yet they will not provide funding for an unpreventable condition like infertility. When couples who by nature have no choice but to have IVF treatment to conceive, surely they are paying for the right to such treatment with their taxes?

Anonymous said...

Those who made these decisions clearly have no clue about the stress, upset and anxiety that infertility causes. This is a medical problem and should, without a doubt, be funded by the NHS, particularly for those who pay taxes and barely use the NHS at other times. Otherwise they will be treating people for stress and anxiety, people will be off work with depression and whole worlds will fall apart.