Extra cash for fertility services

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7681989.stm

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An extra £800,000 is to be spent on fertility services, the health minister has said.

Michael McGimpsey said he hoped the money would cut waiting time for treatment to a maximum of 12 months.

The department of health said the NHS waiting list for fertility treatment is currently up to two years.

He also told the assembly that he intends introducing regional waiting lists. At present waiting times can vary depending where a person lives.

Other changes include removing the requirement that treatment should be restricted to those in a stable relationship.

It was also proposed that the upper age limit for women using donated eggs should be reduced from 49 years to 39 years, in line with those using their own eggs.

The proposals will now go to public consultation.