NHS waiting times

[Poppy_2018]

Hi All

I'm having a bit of a dilemma. Where I live ivf on the NHS has been suspended for almost 2 years and I was advised that given my fertility issues and age I would be best to go private and not delay. I am about to start my meds on Saturday. I have however just found out yesterday that they are now reintroducing NHS ivf in my area (they were not due to review until later in the year) and I would be entitled to 1 cycle. If I go ahead privately I will then no longer be entitled to my NHS cycle. I'm really frustrated at the whole situation.

Does anyone know what NHS waiting times are like as I'm wondering whether to put private treatment on hold and go with NHS for my first cycle (and I would only lose the cost info the medicines o have paid so far), or whether to continue privately and deal with my frustrations about the NHS system in my area.

Any info or thoughts would be greatfully appreciated.

[Kiedy84]

Hi Poppy, I am happy to hear they have reintroduced and now offer one cycle but still this makes me so sad we live in the same country and our lives are dictated by different sets of rules..😥😥 if I were you I would go ahead as planned. Don't let the NHS and system stop you from reaching your goals.

Good luck xxx

Of course I hope it works for you but in case it doesn't, are you sure you are not eligible for NHS cycle? Xxx

[Glasgow1981]

You still may get an NHS cycle, in my area you get two on the nhs and they’ll fund them even if you’ve had one private cycle, as long as it doesn’t amount to more than 3. Worth checking your CCG guidelines x

[Orla9298]

I would go ahead as planned, the mental side of Ivf is tough and you’re ready to start, you never know what will happen or how long it will take if you were to cancel and go via nhs xx

[Poppy_2018]

Thank you so much for your replies. I'm feeling reassured and have decided to go ahead with the private cycle. I'm ready to start and dont want to risk delaying it further. The system just infuriates me.

I've checked the local ccg policy and it definitely says they will only fund 1 cycle and if you've had previous private cycles then that counts and they will not fund. Its completely ridiculous as the only reason I am going private is because they decided to withdraw the funding for all ivf with no confirmation as to how long this would be for leaving people with no choice but to go private. The Scottish system is much fairer than England, I'm Scottish and wish I still lived there.