IVF cycles funded by the NHS could be reduced in South Yorkshire

The number of IVF cycles funded by the NHS in South Yorkshire could be cut from two to one.

The fertility treatment is funded by the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) but it is reviewing whether providing two rounds on the NHS is too expensive.

Around 200 people a year in South Yorkshire access IVF services and about 20-30% of couples progress to a second cycle.

NHS South Yorkshire spent nearly £900,000 proving the treatment in 2021-22 but health chiefs said they need to “balance the books and focus resources on the services that matter to communities the most”.

An ICB report said: “We know that infertility is a very difficult issue for those affected by it.

“We are faced with difficult decisions, including considering whether IVF services should continue to be funded as they currently are.

“Maintaining the current level of provision would mean we would need to consider our investments in other areas of healthcare to ensure we are using our resources efficiently.

“The NHS has been asked to prioritise access to care, such as GP appointments, elective treatment in hospitals and to improve waiting times for urgent and emergency care, such as the length of time waiting in an accident and emergency department.

“The NHS has a duty to break even each year and secure the best investment for the funds to provide high quality care for local people.”

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends offering up to three full cycles of IVF to eligible women under 40 and one full cycle for eligible women aged 40-42.

Across England, the number of NHS funded IVF cycles varies significantly – 67% of health boards only offer one cycle, 19% offer two and 10% offer three.

The regions neighbouring South Yorkshire all offer one.

The report added: “A reduction to one cycle of IVF would bring us in line with most other parts of England and would be the best way to ensure value for money whilst maintaining a service that we know is important to people who are affected by it.”

The ICB will meet on Wednesday 23 July to discuss the proposals ahead of a five-week consultation.