Approximately 150 couples each month are now being referred through the HSE’s Regional Fertility Hubs for publicly-funded treatment, according to Health Minister, Stephen Donnelly.
He said thousands of other patients had had their fertility-related issues resolved through the six Regional Fertility Hubs, in line with the Model of Care for Fertility, in order to ensure that issues are addressed at the lowest level of clinical intervention necessary.
Minister Donnelly said, “In just one year since the introduction of publicly-funded AHR in Ireland, we have been able to help over 1,200 couples to get referrals to private clinics. The feedback from the HSE, individuals availing of the service and the private providers has been immensely positive.
“For so many couples who face the very difficult emotional and physical challenges infertility issues, publicly-funded treatment has removed the cost barrier, and given them hope of becoming parents. This service offers a comprehensive package of care including the individualisation of care packages for treating infertility issues at all levels.
“We are aware of reports of pregnancies, and in fact the first births resulting from publicly funded AHR treatment and I would like to warmly congratulate all those parents.
“I am committed to expanding AHR provision where appropriate. It was reasonable to allow the service to be operational for a period of time before considering any revisions to existing criteria. Now that the service has been in operation for a year, we can look at this in an informed way and determine what scope there may be for expansion of the service. I have asked my officials in the Department to consider this.
“The Government is also committed to providing a publicly provided fertility service, with the first public National AHR Centre scheduled to open in Cork next year.”
The HSE advises people experiencing fertility issues to present to their GP as the first step. If further treatment is required, they may be referred to their local Regional Fertility Hub, which provides a range of treatments and interventions for both males and females.
The Regional Fertility Hubs are located at the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Galway University Hospital, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Nenagh General Hospital, as part of Limerick University Maternity Hospital.
Eligible patients identified as suitable for AHR treatment can choose to be treated in one of eight HSE-approved clinics:
- Beacon Care Fertility: Dublin. Satellite clinics in Limerick and Louth
- First IVF: Kildare. Satellite clinics in Cork, Galway and Kerry
- Merrion Fertility Clinic: Dublin
- ReproMed Dublin: Dublin. Satellite clinic in Louth
- ReproMed Galway: Galway
- Sims IVF: Cork & Dublin. Satellite clinics in Carlow, Limerick and Louth
- Thérapie Fertility: Dublin. Satellite clinics in Limerick and Louth
- Waterstone Clinic: Cork. Satellite clinics in Kildare and Waterford
Patients referred for treatment can avail of one full cycle of IVF or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection) treatment, or up to three episodes of IUI (intrauterine insemination), provided in a HSE approved private clinic of their choice.
Publicly funded AHR treatment is not means tested, and providing details about your income is not required to avail of the service.
