WIREDGOV

Increase in waiting time performance.

Public Health Minister Maureen Watt has yesterday welcomed figures showing that 96 per cent of patients waiting on IVF treatment were seen within 12 months – exceeding the target of 90 per cent. 

Yesterday’s figures for the quarter ending March 2015 show a significant increase on the previous quarter, ending December 2014, when 80 per cent of patients were seen within the 12 month timeframe.

Earlier this year, Health Secretary Shona Robison opened the £4 million Assisted Conception Service Centre at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, which has reduced the length of time patients in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde region wait before treatment starts.

As part of this investment, the Scottish Government provided funding for all four NHS Assisted Conception Units to purchase Embryoscopes which allow Embryologists to select the ‘best’ embryo for implantation. This reduces the chance of multiple pregnancies and increases pregnancy rates.

Ms Watt said: “I am delighted that this target has been met ahead of schedule. Scotland is leading the way in the provision of NHS IVF treatment with the implementation – and achievement – of this target, along with our £12 million investment in IVF provision over the last three years.

“This funding has had a dramatic effect, with patients from all 14 NHS Boards starting treatment in one of the four NHS IVF centres in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow, within 12 months.

"The new Assisted Conception Unit at Glasgow Royal Infirmary provides a calm and supportive environment for patients, while the additional capacity has brought down waiting times for patients in Glasgow.”

Notes To Editors

Background

Reducing waiting times for IVF patients potentially improves the chance of a successful outcome.

The Scottish Government has determined that the IVF waiting times target should be delivered for at least 90 per cent of patients from 1 April 2015, as for some it may not be clinically appropriate for treatment to begin within 12 months.

The Scottish Government’s National Infertility group has reconvened to consider increasing the number of cycles offered from two to three; and current recommendations related to couples who already have a child in the home.

A report is expected by the end of the year.

Latest waiting times figures are available here: http://www.isdscotland.org/