Fertility clinics across the UK can apply to reopen from next Monday, 11 May 2020, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has confirmed – if they ensure the safety and protection of staff and patients against COVID-19.
The regulator has set out new conditions for clinics, both private and NHS, to meet in response to the coronavirus outbreak. All clinics will be required to set out a strategy to show they are meeting conditions to provide safe and effective treatment during the outbreak before they are given the green light to restart treatment.
Social distancing will be a requirement in waiting rooms and telephone appointments could be used where suitable. Appropriate personal protective equipment will also be provided where necessary. An auditing tool will be used to ensure compliance with guidelines.
Many private clinics may be able to demonstrate their readiness to restart services relatively quickly, but it is recognised that NHS clinics may require longer to achieve the necessary conditions due to other factors, such as the redeployment of staff in front-line roles.
To ensure fair provision, the Health and Social Care Secretary is writing to all clinical commissioning groups this week to confirm they are in a position to begin resuming fertility treatments to those in their area – either through a private clinic or an NHS service.
Services were temporarily suspended on 23 March 2020 in response to the coronavirus lockdown, alongside other elective treatments by NHS England.
Last week, the government announced that it will allow anyone who has frozen their eggs, sperm and embryos to extend their storage for an additional two years, as part of wider plans to support those going through fertility treatment during the global coronavirus pandemic.
