§ Ms CorstonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what provision is made for infertility treatment in the Bristol and district health authority area.
§ Mr. SackvilleBristol and district health authority purchases, for its resident population, a range of services for the investigation and treatment of sub-fertility. The outline of the services are:
- United Bristol Health Care Trust:—
- St. Michael's hospital:—
- seven consultant-led sub-fertility clinics each week and five nurse-led clinics each week.
- Southmead Health Services Trust:—
- five consultant-led sub-fertility clinics each week and one nurse-led clinic each week.
A limited number of in-vitro fertilisation and gamete intra-fallopian transfer procedures are undertaken at Southmead hospital. Other follow up in-patient or day case work is undertaken as part of the general gynaecology service at both hospitals.
§ Ms CorstonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is Government policy on the provision of infertility treatment to be provided in the private health sector.
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§ Mr. SackvilleDistrict health authorities and general practitioner fundholders have the freedom to purchase services from any health authority, from national health service trusts or from the private sector. They are encouraged to seek provision of services from those who can best ensure that quality and value for money are achieved, irrespective of whether they are in the public or the private sector.