Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Tom Brake (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 21 April 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 26 April 2017 (named day). It was answered by Baroness Blackwood of North Oxford (Conservative) on Wednesday, 26 April 2017 on behalf of the Department of Health.

IVF

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will take steps to ensure that NICE guidelines for IVF treatment are fully implemented in the NHS.

Answer

Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) are responsible for commissioning local health services and ensuring the needs of the local health population are met. NHS England is responsible for oversight of the commissioning system. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines are evidence based best practice for clinicians but are not mandatory.

I have written to NHS England specifically asking that it re-emphasise to all those involved in commissioning fertility services that they should have regard to the NICE fertility guidelines. In the light of the response to that letter, the Department will consider what further action may be appropriate.

NHS England and professional and stakeholder groups including the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, are working together to develop commissioning guidance. This guidance aims to improve the quality of commissioning and further encourage the implementation of the NICE fertility guidelines. NHS England has agreed to disseminate and promote the commissioning guidance to all CCGs in England.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
71611
Session
2016-17
Related items
IVF
Friday, 8 September 2017
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
IVF Standards
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk