In message <[log in to unmask]> James Kennedy wrote:

> Therefore I argue that IVF has every right to be assessed on its
> merits in the same manner as any other medical intervention.  The
> problem then arises however as to how to quantify or measure the
> benefit / problems of different interventions and decide on their
> availability in a health care system with limited resources.  This
> decision making has to be transparent to all interested parties
> (i.e. everyone involved can understand how and why the decision was
> made) and responsive to the wishes of society ( i.e. society has a
> right to contribute to the decision making).


Agreed. Locally, policy guidelines have been developed in consultation
between specialists, GPs and members of local self help groups,
recognising that resources are limited.

The policy stipulates that priority for treatment will be given to those
couples who meet the following criteria:

- you must be a man and a woman who are living in a stable relationship
  for more than three years.

- you are local residents and have lived in the Nottingham Health
  Authority area for at least two years.

- you are willing and able to take part in the recommended treatment.

- you will be no older than 35 (women) and 55 (men) at the time of your
  referral for treatment (treatments are not as effective as people get
  older).

- neither of you have living children in your current, or from previous
  relationships.

- if you have had any fertility treatment before, either on the NHS or
  privately, this will be taken into account.

- all clinics and hospitals have to meet the requirements of the Human
  Fertilisation and Embryology Authority in order to be registered.
  This means that there must be no concerns about the welfare of any
  future children born as a result of fertility treatment.

- if you do not meet the criteria because you are a woman over 35 *or*
  you have a child already, you may still be considered for NHS
  treatment. In these circumstances, you may be offered the chance to
  have your treatment reconsidered. This means that at the end of the
  financial year, you may be able to get treatment if there are enough
  resources still available for fertility services.

The leaflet contains more information, including the amount of treatment
that will be provided, how to appeal against a decision, and where to
obtain further information.

This policy has been widely publicised, and leaflets are available in
English, Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Chinese, Bengali and Polish.


Trims.


________________________________________________________________________

Dr Ian Trimble                         email: [log in to unmask]
Sherwood Health Centre
Elmswood Gardens                                   Tel: +44 115 962 4516
Nottingham   NG5 4AD                               Fax: +44 115 985 7899
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