Clinic Referral/Changing Clinics?

[CactusCrown]

Hi Folks,

Pursuing our first round of IVF via NHS funding, we've finally been told the consultant is happy to refer us to clinic and that in our area it should only be another 3 months or so before funding is approved and we will be able to start treatment straight away.

Is it normal to not have a choice of clinic? I've seen recommendations to 'shop around' but is that just for private or should we be pushing for options?

How easy is it to change clinics for subsequent rounds? I can see us choosing somewhere closer to home once our NHS round is used up (this clinic is 2 hours away)

[mumma_in_the_making]

I think it might depend on where you live. We’re just about to start our first round of NHS funded IVF and no one told us we have a choice of clinics. We just have to use the one at the hospital. If I was you’d I’d stay local but look at live birth success ratings and pick that way. Good luck x

[Eloquentia]

It is normal to have a choice, yes, though sometimes the clinic that the referral comes from will try to snatch you as their customer, so best to do your research ahead of time. We found the HFEA clinic tool very helpful, as it gives you the official success rates of clinics near you: hfea.gov.uk/choose-a-clinic/ Good luck! Choosing the right clinic is really important because you will have to deal with them quite often once the IVF starts.

[Jane8412]

I am in South West London and we were referred to our local clinic attached to the hospital. I am not sure whether there was an option to chose- it didn't seem like it at the time.

2 hours is a significant travel time. Are there any closer options in your area? Always worth asking as anything to make the process easier would be ideal xx

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi. Please reply privately if mentioning clinics by name or specialist should, as it is considered as advertising. Diane