§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what services are available to newly diagnosed cancer patients of reproductive age to preserve their reproductive options, with particular reference to(a) advice and information, (b) sperm storage and (c) egg storage, in each cancer network in England and Wales; [126963]
(2) what fertility services are provided to patients of reproductive age suffering from fertility problems following treatment for cancer in each primary care trust; [126964]
(3) what funding arrangement he makes to provide fertility services for cancer patients; [126965]
(4) what plans he has to develop guidelines for newly diagnosed cancer patients of reproductive age to preserve their reproductive options. [126966]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonInformation on the provision of infertility services and treatments to national health service patients by primary care trusts (PCTs) is not held centrally. It is for PCTs, in partnership with strategic health authorities, to determine how best to use their funds to meet national and local priorities. The Government's overall approach is to devolve greater freedom to frontline staff and organisations to give them the freedom to innovate and improve care for patients, based on local needs and circumstances.
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is expecting to issue clinical guidelines on NHS fertility treatment services in February 2004. NICE has also been asked to produce service guidance on cancers affecting children and adolescents. The scope of this guidance includes specialist follow-up for late effects of treatment including fertility. NICE is expected to consult on the first draft of this guidance in summer 2004. It is anticipated that this guidance will inform decisions about adults who may experience infertility through treatment for cancer.