Fertility Preservation - FOI Response Register

In accordance with FOISA s 17(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it does not hold the information requested as this level of Fertility is referred to NHS Grampian.  You can contact their FOI here - gram.foi@nhs.scot

I am writing to make a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act

2000 regarding fertility preservation policies for patients with endometriosis within

your Health Board area.

Specifically, I would be grateful if you could provide information on the following:

Policy on Fertility Preservation:

1. Does your Health Board have a specific policy regarding fertility preservation (e.g., egg or embryo freezing) for patients with endometriosis prior to surgical intervention for ovarian endometriomas/ endometriotic cysts?

Clinical Criteria for Funding:

2. Are there set clinical criteria that must be met for patients with endometriosis to receive NHS funding for fertility preservation? For example, do these criteria include:

• Age restrictions?
• Requirement for patients to be undergoing surgery for bilateral endometriomas or other specific endometriosis-related surgeries?
• A previous history of surgery for endometriosis?
• A specific Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) cut-off value?

Scope of Funding:

3. If funding is available, is it typically provided for one cycle of egg/embryo freezing, or are additional cycles potentially funded if the patient responds poorly to the initial cycle?

Second or Further Cycles:

4. In the case of an unexpectedly poor response to the initial funded cycle, is there any possibility of additional funding being granted for a second or further cycle of egg/embryo freezing?

Statistics on Funding Applications:

5. How many patients with endometriosis have been granted NHS funding for fertility preservation prior to surgery in the last two years?
6. How many funding applications for fertility preservation for patients with endometriosis have been made and subsequently declined during this same period?