NHS West Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is working in partnership with the other seven CCGs in Lancashire and South Cumbria to review clinical policies across the region.



The eight CCGs across Lancashire and South Cumbria have all agreed that there is a need to review their clinical policies in order to: ensure a consistent and fair approach; update current policies in accordance with National Guidelines and best clinical practice and to make sure it is using its limited resources to maximum effect.





Residents of West Lancashire are therefore invited to read the proposed draft policy on assisted conception services (including IVF), which is available on the CCG’s website.



The proposed policy has an impact on patients and couples considering assisted conception, including IVF, in order to start a family.



Residents of West Lancashire are therefore encouraged to read the draft policy and provide their comments on the feedback survey, which is available on the CCG’s website: www.westlancashireccg.nhs.uk. The policy and survey can be posted out to any residents who do not have access to a computer by calling the CCG on 01695 588 203. Comments on the policy should be submitted by Friday 6 April 2018.



Greg Mitten, chief officer of West Lancs CVS and lay member for patient and public involvement at NHS West Lancashire CCG, said: “The CCG is responsible for commissioning a wide range of clinical services, including GP services, hospital services, community, mental health and learning disability services, for and on behalf of, the local population of which we serve.



“We need to ensure this is done in an open, fair and transparent manner but in so doing we must consider the limited resources we have.



“A key role for the CCG is to develop clinical policies that help us make decisions about the use of those limited resources.



“This policy that we are currently consulting on may have an impact on many of our residents, it is therefore vitally important that our population have their say on what we are proposing.”