Time is running out, have your views been heard?
Today, Charlotte Knappett and Nicki Robinson of our Fertility and Parenting team, are due to meet with the North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (NEECCG) to discuss their plans to withdraw funding for IVF services for people living in the Colchester and Tendring areas, except in very exceptional circumstances. For more information regarding their proposals please see http://www.neessexccg.nhs.uk/Home.html.
With a funding gap of 22million (2015/2016), NEECCG are now taking steps to decommission services to reduce that deficit. Based on figures for 2013/2014, the withdrawal of IVF services would save around £386,000 (1.75% of their overall deficit).
NEECCG state their decision to withdraw is based on a decision that it does not provide sufficient benefit to the “overall health economy”.
Infertility in men and women can have a devastating affect on a person’s sense of identity, as well as having long term emotional and psychological consequences. It can potentially be a cause of relationship breakdown.
NEECCG have a legal duty to consult with the public and the patients who will be affected by the decommissioning of these services. It is therefore important that people’s views are being heard.
Views or objections need to be raised before the consultation period ends on 7th September 2015.
NEECCG can be contacted directly at [email protected] or in writing to the North East Essex CCG, Primary Care Centre, Turner Road, Colchester, CO4 5JR.
Views or objections can also be notified to Members of Parliament whose details can be found at http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/
It would be helpful if copies of any submissions which are made could be provided to us so that we can discuss these with the Chair of the NEECCG. Please send them to Charlotte Knappett at [email protected]