Public consultation on proposed new Gamete and Embryo Cryopreservation Policy
The NHS clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in Lincolnshire are seeking people’s views about a proposed new Gamete and Embryo Cryopreservation Policy, which will apply to patients across the East Midlands.
Gamete Cryopreservation is a technique used to preserve fertility by freezing gametes (eggs or sperm) or embryos prior to a treatment which may make a patient permanently infertile. This process allows for the gametes to be used at a later date, if the patient wishes to try for a baby. This new policy covers the provision of gamete cryopreservation and its storage and explains the circumstances where patients will be considered for this.
Why are they doing this?
CCGs have recently received guidance from NHS England advising that they should consider in their policies all patient groups who may have their fertility compromised as a result of NHS funded treatment.
This includes those patients who are due to receive treatment as part of gender reassignment (changing physical sexual characteristics, i.e. male to female or female to male).
Current policy and practice, regarding which patients are offered gamete cryopreservation, varies across the East Midlands. Therefore, all of the CCGs in the East Midlands, who make decisions on which services are offered in each area, have come together to make sure that people are offered the same access to these services wherever they live.
Whose views are they looking to hear from?
They are seeking the views of people who have experience of the service, or those to whom the new policy may apply, as well as other individuals with an interest, such as family members, carers and health and social care professionals.
This consultation is being led by Leicester City Clinical Commissioning Group on behalf of the 16 CCGs in the East Midlands.
People can complete an online survey at https://lincolnshireeastccg.nhs.uk/news-events/815-we-want-to-hear-people-s-views-on-a-new-policy-giving-wider-access-to-fertility-preservation-services Paper copies are available on request from the engagement office on 01522 515309.
The survey is open until Sunday 1st March 2020.
Further information
The draft policy, Frequently Asked Questions document and further information can be found on our website https://lincolnshireeastccg.nhs.uk/about-us/key-documents/public-engagement/gamete-and-embryo-cryopreservation-policy-engagement/2479-gametes-cryopreservation-policy-faqs-east-mids-27-01-2020/file
If you would like to discuss any aspect of this policy or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact:
www.lincolnshireeastccg.nhs.uk 01522 515309
