Inequality of Scottish IVF is revealed

Published on Friday 30 July 2010 16:13

A "POSTCODE lottery" for women seeking infertility treatment in Scotland has been highlighted by campaigners.

A new report by Infertility Network Scotland on IVF services around the country showed that patients seeking treatment can wait three months in the Borders, but three years in the Lothians.

It also revealed inconsistencies in terms of the services delivered by health boards, citing the example that ten health boards offer three cycles of treatment, while four, including NHS Greater Glasgow, offer only two.

Shadow health secretary Jackie Baillie said: "I want to see ministers take action to end the postcode lottery for IVF treatment. It is unfair that patients in some parts of Scotland have to wait three years for treatment when others are treated in less than six months.

"There is also no consistency, with some health boards stipulating that they will provide three cycles of treatment, while others only offer two."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We know access to infertility care across Scotland is inconsistent and this is clearly not acceptable. This has been a long-standing issue and one now being tackled by the Scottish Government."