COUPLES who struggle to have children could be hit with reduced access to IVF treatments under planned cuts by the county's health service providers.

NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove, NHS South Worcestershire and NHS Wyre Forest Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) launched a public consultation on the plans on March 8.

The proposal will affect people with fertility problems who are trying to have a baby and who currently meet the CCGs guidelines for assisted conception based on lifestyle choices.

Under the plans, couples would only be eligible for one treatment cycle instead of two, meaning further cycles would require a private provider costing in the range of £4000-£8000 per cycle.

Mari Gay, Interim Chief Operating Officer for the three Worcestershire CCGs, said: “We face a significant financial challenge and are continuing to look at ways we can transform services to reduce possible waste and inefficiency.

“However we must also consider whether to constrict access to some services in the future to protect others.

“While there’s clearly a need to make some changes to what we do, any decisions must also be based on a really good understanding of patient and service user priorities.”

The CCGs are also looking for views on plans to reduce or stop access to certain medicines, treatments or food items on prescription, such as those for short-term and minor conditions.

Overall, changes in services will lead to potential savings of between £1.04 million and £1.82 million.

The public engagement exercise will last for five weeks, ending on April 12, with the results being discussed at the CCGs’ Governing Body Meetings in May and June later in the year.

To respond to the survey, visit southworcsccg.nhs.uk/get-involved.