Have your say on the future of fertility services in Derby and Derbyshire

People across Derby and Derbyshire are being invited to have their say over the way fertility treatments are provided in the East Midlands.

A series of workshops are to take place between December and January. There is also the opportunity to feedback via a survey.

Anyone across Derby and Derbyshire is invited to take part.

They will be asked for their thoughts on a proposed policy which outlines access to fertility treatments. Currently, there are differences in the way people can access fertility treatments across the East Midlands.

In the East Midlands, there are five areas that provide fertility services:

  • NHS Derby and Derbyshire
  • NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
  • NHS Northamptonshire
  • NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
  • NHS Lincolnshire

The aim of this work is to review how people currently access fertility treatments in each area and to create one equitable policy for the whole of the East Midlands.

The review addresses differences in access such as age, Body Mass Index (BMI), and the number of treatment cycles available.

In particular, there are currently differences in the number of cycles offered in Glossop (and surrounding areas) and the rest of Derbyshire. 

The review also considers access for same-sex couples, individuals with children from previous relationships, and single people.

We will be listening to people in Derby and Derbyshire throughout November and January to give them the opportunity to feedback on the suggested proposals and how these proposals may impact them. 

The feedback from the engagement exercise will be fed into the final policy. We will make sure to communicate what steps we have taken as part of this exercise.

Dr Chris Weiner, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Derby and Derbyshire ICB said “This is an important opportunity for our community to voice their experiences and influence how fertility services are structured in the East Midlands.

“By working together, we can create a more equitable approach to fertility treatment for everyone.”

“Whether you are directly impacted by fertility treatments or not, we encourage you to get involved and have your say.”

Further information, including the dates for the workshops, is available on the Derbyshire Involvement website.

Alternatively, you can fill out this survey.