£300k boost to cut IVF waiting time

HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds have been set aside to improve fertility treatment waiting times in the Lothians.

The health board has allocated 300,000 to widen access and make inroads in the three-year wait for treatment.

NHS Lothian has one of the longest waits in Scotland for IVF, but it is hoped this investment will change that.

The age limit has also been increased from 37 to 40, allowing potentially thousands of women an extension on attempting to get pregnant.

Dr David Farquharson, clinical director of Women's Services, said: "We are committed to ensuring that as wide a range of women as possible can undergo treatment with shorter waiting times.

"The new treatment protocol reflects current national guidance and will ensure that treatment is provided for women up their 40th birthday."