IVF+ICSI in London

[ummar]

Hello ladies,

I'm back this forum after being away for some months.

We've been TTCing for three years now, and have now learnt that my husband has severe morphology problems in his sperm, in addition to my own problems (multi-fibroid uterus, short luteal phase, etc.)

Our GP will now refer us to a specialist clinic for IVF+ICSI.

I was going to go for Barts, as I hear alot of good things about it, but as I live in Camden (not covered by Barts), I have to go through a battle with my PCT to authorise my treatment there.

Do you think it's worth the battle?

My clinic wants to refer me to UCH, which I've heard is also excellent but my own research has shown UCH is private, not NHS. I'm a bit annoyed my GP doesn't know this but maybe they know something I don't know i.e. that UCH do take some NHS patients.

I will call them tomorrow to find out but wanted advice from any of you who have experience with fertility treatment in Central London.

Many thanks!

 

[FBbaby]

ummar, I don't know anything about London, but it isn't unusual for NHS treatment to be offered at private clinics. The PCT would have put a tender, and if the private service is prepared to offer prices no higher than what it would cost at an NHS hospital and they satisfy all other criteria, then they might very well become the provider of Choice. It is the case in Sussex, both providers are private clinics, and because one of the conditions for winning the contract was to adhere to the 18 weeks treatment, you actually don't wait any longer for an appointment under the NHS than you do privately (waited 6 weeks for our private appointment at the same place!).

If you are happy to go to UCH and that is where your PCT contract IVF, then you are certainly better off going there. The PCT will consider your choice to go at Barts, but if it is likely to cost more than it would at UCH (under the agreed price for NHS treatment), they might expect you provide a very good reason for that choice.
Good luck.

 

[silarose28]

Hiya

I agree with FBbaby about NHS funding being available for private clinics. I am going to a private clinic funded by the NHS (Herts and Essex). xxx

 

[ummar]

I really appreciate both your responses.

I spoke to UCH this morning and they do indeed take some NHS patients even though they are a private clinic. I have now called my GP's assistant back and asked her to push to get me the funding to go there.

Will keep you updated as to how I get one - this one's still not in the bag yet because I'll have to get the funding approved.

Thanks

 

[FBbaby]

Have you seen this already:
https://www.camden.nhs.uk/downloads/Fertility Leaflet.pdf

It tells you all! Strangely here it says you would be referred to Hammersmith....

 

[ummar]

Have you seen this already:
https://www.camden.nhs.uk/downloads/Fertility Leaflet.pdf

It tells you all! Strangely here it says you would be referred to Hammersmith....

Interesting cos' that's where my GP first suggested. She says she has the most experience sending people to Hammersmith OR Chelsea/Westminster but that I should choose a clinic that will be convenient for me in terms of travel.

I'll have to wait and see if the UCH referal goes through without a hitch... If not, then maybe Hammersmith it is!

 

[ummar]

Hi girls,

Just thought I'd give you an update. The NHS referal service called today to say I'm being referred to the UCH Reproductive Medicine Unit. This is the NHS unit of UCH while CRGH is the private unit of UCH: https://www.crgh.co.uk/

The interesting thing is that the RMU do all the tests but not the procedures, so I'll be sent to have the procedure done at CRGH.

CRGH has really good reviews so I am quite pleased about this!

 

[ummar]

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[ummar]

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[Springflower]

That's fabulous news. I love a success story! Congratulations!

 

[Dilek]

Congratulations hun