Department of Health written question – answered at on 26 April 2017.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to maintain or increase levels of investment in NHS fertility services other than by the development of benchmark pricing.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will take steps to ensure that NICE guidelines for IVF treatment are fully implemented in the NHS.
Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) are responsible for commissioning local health services and ensuring the needs of the local health population are met. NHS England is responsible for oversight of the commissioning system. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines are evidence based best practice for clinicians but are not mandatory.
I have written to NHS England specifically asking that it re-emphasise to all those involved in commissioning fertility services that they should have regard to the NICE fertility guidelines. In the light of the response to that letter, the Department will consider what further action may be appropriate.
NHS England and professional and stakeholder groups including the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, are working together to develop commissioning guidance. This guidance aims to improve the quality of commissioning and further encourage the implementation of the NICE fertility guidelines. NHS England has agreed to disseminate and promote the commissioning guidance to all CCGs in England.
Yes0 people think so
No2 people think not
Would you like to ask a question like this yourself? Use our Freedom of Information site.