LISTEN: NI fertility centre doesn't have "capacity" to deliver extra IVF cycles, Health Minister says

by Gráinne Connolly

Stormont's Health Minister says Northern Ireland's Regional Fertility centre does not have the "capacity" to deliver extra IVF cycles, which were promised in the new deal to restore the executive. 

At the moment, women here are currently entitled to one cycle of IVF paid for by the health service. 

However, the New Decade New Approach agreement has promised to fund up to three treatments, which is the case in Scotland. 

The regional fertility centre is the only public provider of IVF in Northern Ireland. 

In a statement, Health Minister Robin Swann said, “I am pleased that the New Decade, New Approach Agreement committed to providing 3 funded IVF cycles for eligible women. 

"The Regional Fertility Centre does not currently have the capacity to meet the demand for treatment arising from offering 3 cycles of IVF to all eligible women, as there are not enough trained staff to carry out the procedures, nor is there enough space at the premises to facilitate a higher number of patients. 

"My officials are currently giving urgent consideration to how this issue can be taken forward and as such I am unable to give a definitive implementation date at this stage.”

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary for the Department of Health, Richard Pengelly addressed the Health Committee and raised similar concerns. 

Meanwhile, MLA Kellie Armstrong went through IVF treatment there. 

She told Q Radio delivering this pledge must be a key priority, as extra IVF treatments can change people's lives.