PEOPLE living in Scarborough and Ryedale will be eligible for a free cycle of IVF.

As previously proposed, NHS Scarborough and Ryedale CCG Governing Body yesterday officially confirmed the reintroduction of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment for women in the area.

The Governing Body has agreed to commission one cycle for 18-to-42-year-olds. A commitment was given to review 12 months after implementation with a view to increasing the number of cycles funded in 2016/17 if financially viable once demand is established.

Carrie Wollerton, executive nurse for the CCG, said: “The reintroduction of IVF for couples in Scarborough and Ryedale should be seen as really positive step forward. It’s been a number of years since couples in this area had any possibility of receiving NHS funded IVF treatment and this decision brings us in line with other CCGs in the area. Our main aim as the local leader of the NHS is, where possible, to improve access to treatments and reduce variation in services compared with other parts of the country.”

The Vale of York CCG - until recently the only CCG not to offer a single cycle - has agreed to one cycle of treatment for women aged 23 to 39, with a BMI of 19 to 29 for six months before referral, who do not smoke, do not have children or adopted children, have been in a stable relationship for two years and who have been trying for children for two years.

The intention is for the new IVF policy in Scarborough and Ryedale to take effect from 1 August 2014. To view the full IVF Governing Body paper, please visit www.scarboroughryedaleccg.nhs.uk.