HSE approves eight private clinics to deliver fertility treatments 

Dr Cliona Murphy, clinical director with the HSE National Women and Infants Health Programme: 'The fertility care pathway aims to support people in accessing services as close to where they live as possible.' Picture:Gareth Chaney/Collins

The HSE has approved eight private fertility clinics with regional services including in Cork, Kerry and Waterford to deliver public fertility treatment from later this month.

People who are eligible and recommended for advanced fertility treatment services will be able to access HSE-funded services through the following clinics:

• Waterstone Clinic: Cork. Satellite clinics in Kildare and Waterford; 
• Sims IVF: Cork and Dublin. Satellite clinics in Carlow, Limerick and Louth; 
• Beacon Care Fertility: Dublin. Satellite clinics in Limerick and Louth; 
• Thérapie Fertility: Dublin. Satellite clinics in Limerick and Louth 
• First IVF: Kildare. Satellite clinics in Cork, Galway and Kerry; 
• ReproMed Galway: Galway; 
• Merrion Fertility Clinic: Dublin; 
• ReproMed Dublin: Dublin. Satellite clinic in Louth.

The Irish Examiner previously reported the first referrals for Government-funded fertility treatment are now expected to take place from September 25.

“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,” a spokeswoman said on Monday.

Dr Cliona Murphy, clinical director with the HSE National Women and Infants Health Programme, welcomed the eight clinics, saying there was good regional access to treatment.

“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,” she said.

This pathway ensures that fertility issues are addressed through the public health system at the lowest level of clinical intervention necessary.” 

The HSE advises anyone experiencing fertility issues to contact their GP as the first step, where initial testing can be done.

GPs can then refer people to one of the Regional Fertility Hubs for further tests, investigations and treatments.

“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,” Dr Murphy said.

“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 also said 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 could manage their fertility challenges.

The six hubs are based in Cork University Maternity Hospital, Nenagh General Hospital as part of Limerick University Maternity Hospital, Galway University Hospital and the three Dublin maternity hospitals.

All services will be reviewed for demand, the spokeswoman said.