Have your say - Standardising NHS IVF cycles across Greater Manchester

NHS Greater Manchester is reviewing the number of times people can try the NHS IVF treatment across Greater Manchester. This is because depending on where your GP practice is based, it might not be the same as other people. They would like to look at how they can make accessing IVF treatment the same across all of Greater Manchester.

Number of cycles currently offered across Greater Manchester: 

For eligible people aged 39 and under, with a GP in these areas – the NHS will pay for:

• Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Manchester, Oldham and Trafford patients can get 1 cycle of IVF (and receive a second try for a cancelled or abandoned cycles)
• Salford, Stockport and Wigan patients can get 2 IVF cycles (this includes cancelled or abandoned cycles) 
• Tameside patients can get 3 IVF cycles (this includes cancelled or abandoned)

The number of NHS cycles listed above were agreed when there were ten different NHS organisations (known as Clinical Commissioning Groups) making the decisions in Greater Manchester. In July 2022, the ten Clinical Commissioning Groups were replaced by one organisation (known as NHS Greater Manchester). NHS Greater Manchester is one of 42 Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in England. ICBs are NHS organisations responsible for planning health services for their local population.

To find out more about IVF in Greater Manchester and the criteria for eligibility, view the NHS Greater Manchester Assisted Conception Policy here.

National variation in number of IVF cycles offered

Access to NHS paid-for IVF cycles varies nationally. For more information visit NHS Greater Manchester's IVF cycles page on their website.

The challenge

NHS Greater Manchester recognise that fertility is particularly emotive for people. While they are not trying to make changes to their IVF cycles to save money, they do need to consider best use of NHS resources (this includes money and staff). This is the same challenge faced by many health and care organisations across the country.

Have your say

You can have your say between now and Sunday 9 June 2024 by:

• Completing their survey which will ask your thoughts about their idea. The survey is available online here and a paper or large print copy can be requested by emailing gmhscp.engagement@nhs.net or leaving a message by ringing or texting 07786 673762.
• Sharing your thoughts via WhatsApp at 07786 673762
• Inviting NHS Greater Manchester to attend your group – they are especially interested in hearing from faith groups, those from different ethnic backgrounds and people or communities experiencing inequalities. Please email gmhscp.engagement@nhs.net or leave a message by ringing or texting 07786 673762. They will aim to attend your group, subject to staff availability.

If you need help or support to share your views

Please email gmhscp.engagement@nhs.net or leave a message by ringing or texting 07786 673762