>In message <[log in to unmask]> Trefor wrote:
>> We decline to give
>> scripts for any treatment from private clinics or even NHS fertility clinics.
>> This sort of problem being the main reason. Does anyone precribe
>> clomiphene/other infertility treatments.
At 19:37 12/08/96 +0100, you wrote:
>Against my better judgement, I have prescribed drugs on the NHS
>for patients undergoing NHS and private infertility treatment.
this is just *so* bigoted and discriminatory.
>Just last week, I wrote a prescription for drugs which totalled
>more than 1000 pounds in cost. Yikes!
considering most people who have fertility treatment only do so a few times,
the cost of this pales into insignificance against chronic disease therapy
like asthma, or long term omeprazole (or even ranitidine) for those people
who can't be bothered to stop their drinking and smoking. Would you refuse
people terminations?
>Anyway, my personal view is that there should be no infertility
>treatment on the NHS (except simple baseline investigations)
>and that many 'couples' seeking infertility treatment would
>be better advised to seek the help of a psychologist.
surely fertility treatment, if successful, being a one off cost, is much
cheaper than endless visits to psychiatrists, counselling, antidepressants,
need I go on?
not that I am defending bad fertility clinics.
And I'm biased - we have two lovely children courtesy of IVF. One cost the
NHS ~300 pounds, the other 367 in drugs. (success first time, both times)
The rest - obviously many times that amount - we paid ourselves. What's more
we don't cost the NHS anything for contraception. I consider that astounding
value for money in QALYs
There are still huge differences in the success rates of different units,
and the criteria they use in selection. Surely rather than refuse all
fertility assistance on the NHS, it would be better to run some accreditaion
system?
Pete
---
Peter Johnson
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(+44) 1525 261432
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