Fertility: Concerns over future of NHS Wales IVF clinics

The Wales Fertility Institute is the only NHS provider of IVF services based in Wales

There are concerns for the future of NHS Wales' only IVF fertility service after staff were allegedly told it was no longer sustainable.

Two Plaid Cymru politicians said they wrote to the health minister about support for Wales Fertility Institute (WFI) after being contacted by staff.

Singer and presenter Elin Fflur, who had IVF, said it would be unaffordable for many.

The Welsh government said it recognised the service's importance.

It added that Swansea Bay health board, which is responsible for the service, was looking at options for its future.

It includes "short and long-term actions required to put the service on a sustainable footing" as well as "looking at contingency plans".

The service has clinics in Cardiff and Neath Port Talbot and is the only NHS provider of IVF based in Wales.

It also works with cancer patients to preserve their fertility before they go through any treatment that affects their chances of having children.

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Elen and Alex Jones, from Cardiff, used the WFI to have their first son Osian, now eight, under the NHS, and later returned as private clients to have Steffan, four.

Elen, 38, said: "The treatment we had was so exceptional, the whole team really supported us through our journey.

"Having the treatment locally made life so much easier. It's quite a long process, having to go back and forth to the clinic, sometimes they have to check your hormone levels, you may have to go back every day for a period.

"People I know in England look to Wales as progressive when it comes to fertility treatment and the fact it is so inclusive, it would be a real shame if there was any risk to that in Wales."

She said, if anything, she would like to see things "go the other way" and for the NHS in Wales to offer "even more provision".

Elen Jones and her wife Alex had their eldest son Osian via the NHS service at WFI

Plaid Cymru Members of the Senedd (MS) Sioned Williams and Luke Fletcher have written to Health Minister Eluned Morgan with concerns raised with them by those working at the institute.

The letter said: "Staff were notified that the service was no longer sustainable.

"We understand three possible options have been put forward: decommissioning, reduction of provision or outsourcing. All options will have an impact on either staff or patients."

Staff from the service have written to Sioned Williams MS expressing their concerns

They have asked why a fourth option of the Welsh government supporting the service has not been considered.

Sioned Williams MS said talk of ending or reducing the service came as a huge shock to the staff members who had written to her.

"This is a very important and sensitive area of health care," she said.

"Making sure that service, research and expertise is available in Wales is crucial."

Elin Fflur says she is heartbroken that the service could be at risk

Elin Fflur told Dros Frecwast on BBC Radio Cymru: "This news today breaks my heart for many reasons.

"It's so terribly emotional and it's such a difficult journey... having to think how to finance these treatments is a huge additional stress on people.

"For me, it's a basic right to be a parent... my worry is that this will turn into something that's only available to those who can afford it."

The WFI underwent a routine inspection by the HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority) in January.

Some areas of improvement were raised, but the service was granted a three-year licence to continue offering fertility treatment, with an interim inspection scheduled for January 2024.

Swansea Bay University Health Board said: "Working with the staff in the service, we are looking at the short and long term actions required to put the service on a sustainable footing and are also looking at contingency plans.

"In the meantime, patients will continue to receive the best possible treatment and we will be keeping them up to date with developments."

The Welsh government said it recognised "how important IVF services are to those that need them", and that the health board was working with the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee "to address issues raised by the HFEA and to continue to meet licence requirements."

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