Welsh Conservatives have learned that local health boards are facing a funding shortfall in providing second NHS IVF cycles.
Figures obtained by Shadow Health Minister Andrew RT Davies AM detail that while the Health Minister has confirmed that £0.800m will be made available by the Assembly Government from 2010/11, the total cost of introducing the second cycle is £1.670m, with local health boards having to provide the additional funding.
Commenting on the matter, Mr Davies said:
“The introduction of a second NHS IVF cycle for patients is a welcome move that goes some way to meeting NICE guidelines.
“However, it is disappointing that the Health Minister seems content to ‘pass the buck’ in meeting some of the costs of this treatment back to local health boards.
“Expecting health boards to raid their already stretched budgets puts even more pressure on delivering services and is unrealistic and unfair for providers and patients alike.
“The Minister has a duty to ensure that commitments like second NHS IVF cycles are properly resourced and not just a headline grabbing gimmick for the Assembly Government.”
