A local councillor has voiced strong criticism against an NHS organization, claiming it has betrayed the residents of Bassetlaw by proposing to downgrade fertility services that were once more robust.
The Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), the body responsible for commissioning NHS services across Nottingham city and the broader county, has introduced a new fertility policy aimed at addressing identified disparities in service availability throughout the region.
The ICB stated that this review seeks to “create one fairer policy for everyone in the East Midlands,” emphasizing that priority will be given to individuals with verified fertility issues, reflecting a serious commitment to those affected.
Under the proposed new policy, residents who meet specific fertility criteria will be eligible for three cycles of Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), commonly referred to as artificial insemination, which is a key advancement in fertility treatment options.
However, for those interested in receiving In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), a more complex procedure that involves fertilizing an egg outside the body in a laboratory, the new policy stipulates that only one cycle will be available to patients across the entire region, much to the dismay of many.
Notably, under the current framework in Bassetlaw, residents have access to three cycles of IVF treatment, a benefit that is now at risk of being reduced.
During a crucial Nottinghamshire County Council Health Scrutiny Committee meeting on Wednesday, November 20, the Integrated Care Board faced accusations of intending to downgrade these vital services for local residents.
Cllr Callum Bailey (Con), who represents Worksop North, passionately remarked: “The NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) recommendation was three cycles; we are going down to one. I say down because Bassetlaw is getting downgraded. We are going to be getting a worse service.”
He further added, “That is something the ICB promised would not happen when Bassetlaw joined the ICB. I find it an absolute shame and betrayal because instead of upgrading the rest of Nottinghamshire to be in line with the NICE guidelines, they are reducing Bassetlaw’s provisions.”
Highlighting the broader implications, the councillor stated, “Women are having children later in the UK. Fertility is a big issue. I don’t think it is the approach you want to be taking.” He acknowledged the funding challenges but suggested that reducing the number of cycles is not an acceptable solution.
According to the NICE guidelines, women under 40 years of age are recommended to be offered three full cycles of IVF treatment, reaffirming the critical nature of this service. It is important to note that their updated recommendations are expected to be published in February 2025.
Data reveals that many regions, particularly in London, including North Central and North East London, still provide access to three cycles of fertility treatment, alongside other areas in the UK like North East and North Cumbria, and Sussex, underscoring a growing disparity in services.
Documents made available for the meeting indicate that the NHS is facing mounting financial and operational challenges, placing significant pressure on ICBs to deliver value for money in healthcare services. However, during the period from 2019/20 to 2022/23, the Nottinghamshire ICB incurred costs exceeding £2 million on fertility treatments, including IVF and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), an indication of the financial complexities involved.
In response to the concerns, the ICB has initiated a two-month ‘listening exercise’ to gauge public opinion regarding the proposed changes to fertility services. This effort aims to provide a platform for residents to express their thoughts and experiences related to the proposals.
Victoria McGregor-Riley, representing the ICB, remarked: “We absolutely recognize this is a tricky subject to discuss and there are lots of emotions and implications. This will help shape the policy or the proposals we may wish to put forward in the future.” She acknowledged the historical context surrounding Bassetlaw’s integration into the ICB, affirming the initial commitment to maintain service levels.
However, she emphasized, “We are in significantly different financial considerations now than we were three years ago.” Despite this, she asserted, “This is not a policy driven by financial need, because […] everything we do needs to be seen as fair and open.”
Sarah Collis, representing Healthwatch, a group dedicated to advocating for local patients, commented: “It seems to be swings and roundabouts. The better accessibility and equitable service increases the numbers, which then puts more demand on the system.”
The listening exercise commenced on November 11 and is set to conclude on January 10, fostering an opportunity for community input on these significant changes.
What specific measures is Councillor Callum Bailey advocating for to restore fertility services to their previous standards in Bassetlaw?
**Interview with Councillor Callum Bailey**
*Local Councillor for Bassetlaw, Nottinghamshire*
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Councillor Bailey. You recently spoke out against the proposals from the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board regarding fertility services. Can you summarize your main concerns?
**Cllr. Bailey:** Certainly, and thanks for having me. My primary concern is that the new policy proposed by the Integrated Care Board significantly downgrades the fertility services available to residents of Bassetlaw. Currently, we provide three cycles of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment, in line with the NICE recommendations. However, the new proposal restricts IVF to just one cycle for everyone in the region, which is simply unacceptable.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that this change feels like a betrayal. Can you elaborate on that?
**Cllr. Bailey:** Yes, when Bassetlaw joined the Integrated Care Board, there were assurances that services would not be downgraded. We were promised better alignment with NICE guidelines, which recommend that women under 40 should be offered three full cycles of IVF. Instead, we are witnessing a reduction in services. This is not progress; it’s a retrograde step for our community, particularly when so many women today are choosing to have children later in life.
**Interviewer:** The ICB claims this new policy is intended to create a “fairer policy for everyone in the East Midlands” and focuses on individuals with verified fertility issues. How do you respond to that?
**Cllr. Bailey:** I understand the intent behind creating equity in service provision, but cutting Bassetlaw’s access to three cycles of IVF is not the solution. Instead of downgrading our services, the focus should be on improving accessibility across the whole region while maintaining the established care that residents currently receive. Fertility treatment is vital, and making it more scarce is not a constructive or fair approach.
**Interviewer:** There’s also the financial strain on the NHS that’s often discussed. How do you view this aspect of the situation?
**Cllr. Bailey:** I acknowledge the NHS faces financial and operational challenges, but reducing the number of fertility cycles is not a viable option. We need to find solutions that enhance services rather than limit them. Adequate funding and resources must be allocated to meet the needs of all residents, especially in critical areas like fertility treatment, where the impact on individuals and families can be profound.
**Interviewer:** What do you think is necessary moving forward to resolve these disparities in fertility services?
**Cllr. Bailey:** We must advocate for the restoration of full IVF cycles as per NICE guidelines. Open dialog with health authorities is essential. We need to push back against these cuts and work towards a more equitable, comprehensive approach that truly addresses the needs of our community. I plan to continue pressing for Bassetlaw residents to have access to quality fertility services that reflect their needs.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Councillor Bailey, for sharing your insights with us today.
**Cllr. Bailey:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important issues.
