Helen Eadie (Labour)

To ask the Scottish Executive what actions it has taken in the last six months to remove the perceived postcode lottery and improve the availability of infertility services and standards for patients across Scotland. (S3O-8277)

Shona Robison (Scottish National Party)

In the past six months, we have announced that we are funding Infertility Network Scotland to work with national health service boards during the next three years to ensure fairer access to treatment and offer patients a direct influence on the future direction of infertility care. I recently wrote to the chairs of NHS boards asking for their assistance with that work. We are also in the final stages of setting up a national group to look at many long-standing issues surrounding infertility services across Scotland.

Helen Eadie (Labour)

Does the minister accept that although this is a historical problem not of her making, she is in the powerful position of being able to make change happen? Does she accept that the working group and review that she is talking about has not put a single penny at the sharp end where our constituents are crying out for access to NHS services? Does she accept that there is definitely a major case of rationing and point-blank refusal to fund patients by the Scottish Government? What will the minister do to address the problem of patients being compelled to go private because the NHS refuses them treatment? Will she, at the very least, pay the cost of the drugs that they require, which can amount to several hundred pounds if hormone stimulation is required? Finally, when couples have to move—

Trish Godman (Labour)

As I said, this is questions to ministers. There is an s at the end of "questions", but we need a singular question from you, Ms Eadie. Can you come to the end of your question, please?

Helen Eadie (Labour)

Okay, Presiding Officer. Thank you.

Shona Robison (Scottish National Party)

Helen Eadie is correct to say that the problem is historical. Under the previous Administration, waiting times of five to six years for infertility services were not uncommon. This Government has tried to get to grips with the issue of infertility services by ensuring that there is a move towards equity of access.

I am sure that Helen Eadie has been raising these issues for many years; I do not recollect whether that is the case, but I am sure that she could provide evidence to prove me right. The problem has not just occurred. We are putting serious effort into sorting it out; that is why we have funded Infertility Network Scotland to work with those boards—there are now only four—that have not yet implemented the guidance. The network will also work with those boards to give priority to bringing down waiting times. I would have thought that Helen Eadie would welcome the fact that action is being taken in this area for the first time after many years of inaction.

Helen Eadie (Labour)

Not a single penny at the sharp end.

Trish Godman (Labour)

Not from a sedentary position, Ms Eadie.

Jackie Baillie (Labour)

I ask the minister to recollect that the previous Executive took action in raising the age at which treatment could be provided, and I welcome any progress that can be made. Does the minister accept that couples should be able to be referred between health boards if there is indeed patient choice in the NHS?

Shona Robison (Scottish National Party)

We will be looking at a number of infertility services issues that require to be resolved. Some of those issues are quite complex and some are more straightforward, including those around guidance. Jackie Baillie called for national guidance, which has been around for quite some time; I am sure that she is now aware of that. We want to ensure that all boards are implementing that guidance; as I said, only a few boards have not done so. I have made that very clear. Indeed, I have issued another letter to chairs to ensure that they give priority to ensuring that the guidance is implemented. The focus of our work should be to ensure that every board makes the investment that is required in infertility services. We know that the boards that have invested in those services have addressed issues such as waiting times. I am sure that Jackie Baillie will welcome that.

Trish Godman (Labour)

I have challenged questioners. In terms of equality, I now ask ministers to please be careful about the length of their answers. I may stop them, too.