HSE-funded fertility clinics announced

People who are eligible and recommended for advanced fertility treatment services will be able to access HSE-funded services in many areas across the country from later this month.

All eight private fertility clinics in Ireland will be providing services on behalf of the HSE to people who are recommended for treatment by one of the six HSE Regional Fertility Hubs. The HSE-approved clinics are located in Cork, Dublin, Galway and Kildare, with a number of them having satellite clinics in other locations around the country, where some care may be delivered.

Dr Cliona Murphy, Clinical Director with the HSE National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP), said:

“We are delighted that all providers in Ireland have come on board, ensuring a good regional spread of services. The fertility care pathway aims to support people in accessing services as close to where they live as possible, as the first step is to visit your GP, who can refer you to one of the six HSE Regional Fertility Hubs. This pathway ensures that fertility issues are addressed through the public health system at the lowest level of clinical intervention necessary.”

If people are experiencing fertility issues, they should contact their GP as the first step. Their GP can do some initial tests and provide advice on fertility issues. The GP can then refer people who meet the access criteria to one of the Regional Fertility Hubs for further tests, investigations and treatments.

Many people who attend the Regional Fertility Hubs may not need to be referred for further advanced fertility treatments as treatments provided in the hubs will manage their fertility challenges.

Dr Murphy continued:

"We know that many people are unsure about the factors that can affect fertility, such as smoking, alcohol and weight, which is why we have worked with GPs to produce information leaflets. They will be available through GP surgeries, to support people with their understanding of what can affect their fertility, and things they can do to improve their fertility.”

The HSE will be actively monitoring and reviewing the demand on this service, and reviewing patient needs both in collaboration with our six Regional Fertility Hubs and with the network of HSE-approved private fertility clinics.