NHS pays for private fertility treatment after rates slump

SCOTLAND'S largest health board has paid for patients to undergo more than 1000 rounds of fertility treatment at a private hospital since a drop in success rates after building work near its own centre.

EXCLUSIVE: How we reported on the difficulties at the hospital.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde refused to disclose how much it had spent since November 2012, when The Herald revealed it was sending women to Glasgow's Nuffield hospital after pregnancy rates at its Assisted Conception Service in Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI) fell.

A spokeswoman said it had paid for 1079 procedures. The price varies but an IVF cycle can be around £3000, meaning the potential cost could be more than £3 million.

Treatment was suspended in November 2012 when 11 women suffered "unexplained failed or reduced fertilisation" over a number of weeks dating back to the beginning of September 2012.

Hundreds have undergone treatment at Nuffield, including 42 treated from September to November who were offered a complimentary treatment cycle.

A Human Embryology and Fertility Authority (Hefa) probe blamed the issue on air contamination caused by renovation works in an adjacent GRI building. But a Hefa report advised bosses to "reconsider evidence that led them to conclude only treatments since September 2012 were compromised as a result of work".

✨ Trying to Conceive?

Our fertility supplements combine Myo-Inositol with essential vitamins to support healthy hormone balance and regular ovulation.

Shop Now — $36.00

✓ Free shipping available  |  ✓ Trusted by millions of couples worldwide

Graphs from the GRI's Assisted Conception Service show pregnancies from IVF dipped below the "warning limit" to 20% twice in 2012 - in May and in July - before falling to less than 10% in September. Rates of pregnancy from ICSI - where sperm is injected into the egg - dipped close to 10% in May.

Hefa pointed to "evidence of fluctuations in rates" dating back to May 2012. Unit bosses attributed this to reduced air quality in the summer due to cleaning and maintenance, a spike in patients with poor prognosis and the introduction of a single embryo transfer protocol to reduce the centre's rate of twin, triplet and other multiple pregnancies in line with advice.

It said it "may have been ­reasonable for the centre to ­attribute fluctuations in rates and air quality between May and July 2012 to what appeared to be known causes but ... it should reconsider the evidence".

However, responding to Hefa, Dr Helen Lyall, who leads the Assisted Conception Unit, said a review of the centre's performance from 2009 to 2012 showed "occasions when the clinical pregnancy rate has declined" which could not be linked to building work, which began on January 6, 2012. These fluctuations were "always both preceded and followed by substantially superior rates", she added.

Dr Lyall said: "Although the evidence for a causal link between the incident in late 2012 and adjacent building work is indirect there are congruent factors in support. Building work moving closer to the laboratory, deteriorating air quality, downward trajectory of KPIs and the fact a changed environment has alleviated the problem.

"Our review has failed to identify a similar set of congruent parameters at earlier points in the year to explain fluctuations in clinical pregnancy rates."

The GRI's new premises are due to open in March, but bosses have to reapply for a full licence before it can resume a normal programme.

Hefa granted the unit a ­conditional licence, prohibiting it from carrying out procedures besides the storage and distribution of sperm, eggs and embryos until the regulator is sure the premises are safe.

A health board spokeswoman said: "Once the refurbishment work is complete the unit will be handed back to the NHS and a period of inspection by Hefa will follow. This is a standard process."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the NHS pay for private fertility treatment if there are problems with local services?

Yes, in certain circumstances the NHS can fund private fertility treatment if their own services are unable to provide adequate care. As seen in the case of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, patients were referred to a private hospital when success rates dropped at their NHS fertility centre, with the health board covering the costs of over 1,000 treatment cycles.

What happens if my NHS IVF treatment fails due to clinic problems?

If your treatment is compromised due to issues at an NHS fertility clinic, you may be entitled to a complimentary treatment cycle at no additional cost. The HFEA regulates all UK fertility clinics and investigates any concerns about treatment quality, so it's worth raising any issues directly with the clinic and the HFEA if you believe your cycle was affected.

How can I check the success rates of my local NHS fertility clinic?

The HFEA maintains a register of all licensed fertility clinics in the UK, including their success rates broken down by age group and treatment type. You can search for clinics and compare their performance data on the HFEA website, which is updated annually and can help you make informed decisions about your care.

Am I entitled to NHS-funded IVF in Scotland?

In Scotland, NHS fertility treatment eligibility is determined by your local health board, though NICE guidelines recommend offering up to three full cycles of IVF to eligible patients. Criteria typically include age limits, BMI requirements, and whether either partner has existing children, so it's best to speak with your GP for a referral to discuss your specific situation.

What should I do if I'm worried about the quality of care at my fertility clinic?

If you have concerns about your fertility treatment, you should first raise them directly with your clinic's patient liaison team. You can also contact the HFEA, which is the independent regulator responsible for inspecting and licensing all UK fertility clinics, and has the authority to investigate complaints and take action where necessary.

How long are NHS fertility treatment waiting lists in the UK?

NHS waiting times for fertility treatment vary significantly depending on your region and local Integrated Care Board (ICB) funding. With around 1 in 7 UK couples experiencing fertility issues, demand is high, and waits of 12 months or longer are not uncommon, which is why some patients choose to self-fund private treatment or seek NHS referrals to private clinics where agreements exist.

Can environmental factors at a fertility clinic affect my IVF success?

Yes, environmental conditions in IVF laboratories are critically important for embryo development. As demonstrated by the Glasgow Royal Infirmary case, air quality contamination from nearby building works led to significant drops in pregnancy rates, highlighting why the HFEA sets strict standards for laboratory conditions and regularly inspects clinics to ensure compliance.