Overview
The complainant (Mr C) and his wife (Mrs C) underwent a cycle of infertility treatment towards the end of 2011. This did not lead to pregnancy. Thereafter, the Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board (the Board) told Mr and Mrs C that because the hormone that indicated Mrs C's ovarian reserve was low, they would not be offered a further cycle of treatment using her eggs. Instead, they were offered a further cycle with a donated egg. Mr C alleged that this decision was contrary to his and his wife's right of access to NHS treatment and against guidelines on the provision of fertility treatment in Scotland. He further complained that the delays in the process reduced their chances of success.
Specific complaint and conclusion
The complaint which has been investigated is that the Board failed unreasonably to provide a second cycle of fertility treatment of Mr Cs choosing (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) apologise to Mr C for the failures identified;
- (ii) offer him £6,000 in the event that he seeks assisted conception treatment privately;
- (iii) amend their policy on assisted conception to clarify that patients may not be eligible for further NHS treatment if response to treatment is poor; and
- (iv) consider introducing a protocol to fast track patients with a potentially poor ovarian reserve.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.