Re: Further extension to the temporary variation to age criteria for IVF in north east London infertility policies
We wrote to you in April 2021 informing you of the extension to 30 September 2021 of the temporary variation to the age criteria for accessing IVF in north east London policies. This was originally agreed to ensure patients were not disadvantaged by the pause in services as a result of COVID-19.
Based on our discussions with providers and the number of queries we’ve received from our residents, it is evident that waiting lists are still long and will take some time to clear. It was therefore agreed at the August North East London CCG Governing Body to extend this variation for a further 6 months until 31 March 2022.
As before, where your trust has accepted a referral and due to delays in treatment, the patient has passed the previous age threshold then please continue their treatment in the planned fertility pathway in line with the revised temporary eligibility criteria.
It is important to note that all other policy criteria and sections remain valid and must be checked alongside the age criteria before a treatment commences or a referral for treatment is accepted.
Commissioners will also be communicating this change to GPs in North East London so they are aware and referrals are in line with the temporarily revised policy.
The table below summarises the amendments to the individual policies across north east London:
The table below summarises the amendments to the individual policies across north east London:
Former CCG |
Previous Eligibility Criteria |
Temporary Eligibility Criteria |
|
Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge CCGs’ policy |
IVF is offered to women aged under 40 years.
Referring clinicians should be aware of the work up time required by the provider, and ensure that referrals are made in time for women to start their embryo transfer treatment before their 40th birthday. |
IVF is offered to women aged under 41 years.
Referring clinicians should be aware of the work up time required by the provider, and ensure that referrals are made in time for women to start their embryo transfer treatment before their 41st birthday.
|
|
City and Hackney |
IVF is offered to women aged under 42 years old. Women should be referred so that they can commence a treatment cycle before their 42nd birthday.
Women aged 40-41 will only be offered treatment if they have never previously had IVF treatment (however funded).
Women aged 40-41 shall be eligible only for one full cycle of IVF including the implantation of fresh and frozen embryos/ blastocysts from a single course of ovarian stimulation. |
IVF is offered to women aged under 43 years old. Women should be referred so that they can commence a treatment cycle before their 43rd birthday.
Women aged 40-42 will only be offered treatment if they have never previously had IVF treatment (however funded).
Women aged 40-42 shall be eligible only for one full cycle of IVF including the implantation of fresh and frozen embryos/ blastocysts from a single course of ovarian stimulation. |
|
Waltham Forest CCG and Tower Hamlets CCG policies |
IVF is offered to women aged under 42 years old. Women should be referred so that they can commence a treatment cycle before their 42nd birthday.
Women aged 40-41 will only be offered treatment if they have never previously had IVF treatment (however funded).
Women aged 40-41 shall be eligible only for one full cycle of IVF including the implantation of fresh and frozen embryos/ blastocysts from a single course of ovarian stimulation. |
IVF is offered to women aged under 43 years old. Women should be referred so that they can commence a treatment cycle before their 43rd birthday.
Women aged 40-42 will only be offered treatment if they have never previously had IVF treatment (however funded)
Women aged 40-42 shall be eligible only for one full cycle of IVF including the implantation of fresh and frozen embryos/ blastocysts from a single course of ovarian stimulation. |
|
Newham CCG policy |
IVF is offered to women aged under 42 years old.
Women aged 40‐41 years old will be offered a maximum of one fresh embryo transfer and one frozen embryo transfer, provided they have not previously undertaken IVF.
Referring clinicians should be aware of the work up time required by the providing trusts, and ensure that referrals are made in time for women to start their first treatment cycle before their 42nd birthday. |
IVF is offered to women aged under 43 years old.
Women aged 40‐42 years old will be offered a maximum of one fresh embryo transfer and one frozen embryo transfer, provided they have not previously undertaken IVF.
Referring clinicians should be aware of the work up time required by the providing trusts, and ensure that referrals are made in time for women to start their first treatment cycle before their 43rd birthday. |
I’d like to also take this opportunity to update you on our plans for the development of a single North East London CCG policy. We have embarked on a desktop review of our existing 5 policies and we will be engaging with stakeholders including provider services over the next few months on developing a new policy that reflects the latest national guidance, most recent evidence base and good clinical practice.
If you have any questions or queries related to this notice, then please contact Alison.glynn2@nhs.net.
Thank you for your support with notifying your relevant services and clinicians of this temporary measure and please pass on our thanks again to staff and clinicians for their ongoing commitment to their patients throughout the pandemic.
Diane Jones
Chief Nurse & Caldicott Guardian
NHS North East London CCG/ICS
North East London Health and Care Partnership