Wednesday 22 June 2011

What we're up to week commencing 20th June...

OUR BLOG IS MOVING...


all future posts will be on our HealthUnlocked blogsite...


We are now in the final stages of next weeks changes to the website, increasing the range of support services available to everyone experiencing infertility - and beyond.  There may be some downtime with the website on Tuesday, we apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused, please do use the telephone support available, our staff and volunteers are all here to help.

Clare and Sheena had an exciting start to the week interviewing to fill our current vacancies, we look forward to sharing news of new appointments shortly - but we can now share that Susan Seenan our current Communications Officer will become the Infertility Network UK Deputy Chief Executive from early next month.

Clare is also this week attending a meeting regards the new NICE Fertility Guidelines, attending an all day meeting with a new group called PREPARE, Patient Led Research into Early Pregnany and Reproduction and attending the I N UK Board Meeting this weekend.

Sharon is this week delivering a presentation to the Health Committee and meeting with Commissioners, she is also working with local members and implementing a social networking strategy for Infertility Network UK in Northern Ireland. Fiona is working with local groups and preparing information for a women's network.

Gwenda is also spending time this week looking at how the Scottish Branch can maximise the use of social networking, Gwenda is also promoting regional support groups and speaking with regional members, as well as following up funding enquiries.

Gwenda is also facilitating next weeks Monday night online support group.  If you've not tried it before do drop in. 


Hope you all have a good week

Monday 20 June 2011

Fertility Europe - Special Families

European Patient Organisation
Fertility Europe
launches the
Special Families Campaign


Please do send your own special family postcard through the link above. 



Thursday 16 June 2011

What we're up to week commencing 13th May...

This week sees us asking for a few minutes of your time as we launch the 2011 Patient Survey.


Infertility Patient Survey 2011


Infertility Network UK leads the National Infertility Awareness Campaign (NIAC) which works on behalf of infertility patients throughout the UK to end the postcode lottery and replace this with a fair and equitable infertility service for every patient irrespective of where they live.

You may see copies of a poster in your clinic highlighting this patient survey which NIAC is conducting to help us to build a picture of the problems people encounter in accessing NHS treatment and which we can use to ensure your experiences are highlighted and help us in our fight for better NHS funding

The NICE Fertility Guidance issued in 2004 which was based on clinical effectiveness as well as cost effectiveness recommended that eligible couples in England and Wales, where the woman is aged between 23 and 39, should receive three full cycles of treatment. Over the last few years we have seen a gradual improvement in the provision of treatment by many Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) in England, however we know that some still refuse to fund treatment, or provide only one cycle with others implementing restrictive access criteria.  This is totally unfair on patients – after all access to treatment should not be dependent on your postcode!  Patients in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland can also often face problems in accessing treatment.

We hope as many patients as possible will complete the survey which only takes a few minutes to complete on line at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QL8CV76 and we can send copies of the survey out to anyone who can’t complete the on line version – just contact us on 0800 008 7464 or email admin@infertilitynetworkuk.com

Please share details of the survey with other patients, including those who may have finished treatment – the more patients who complete the survey the better able we will be to build up an accurate picture of the problems being encountered by patients.  Remember, we can only help you to fight for fair and equitable NHS funding if you help us.

In addition to the survey launch this week Clare has been working on funding issues and visiting a London clinic as well as speaking with Fertility Europe.  Clare and Susan have also been contributing on a paper to be discussed at the ESHRE Annual Meeting in Stockholm next month.


Sheena is this week looking at advertising, planning has begun for the pre-show magazine in advance of The Fertility Show - if you're interested in advertising do contact Sheena - sheena@infertilitynetworkuk.com

Susan is working on a All Party Parliamentary Group on Infertility (APPGI) report for the next issue of the magazine, as well as continuing to work with the media on funding stories following last weeks publication, don't forget you can still access the full APPGI Report here http://www.infertilitynetworkuk.com/News/?id=15620

Sharon has also been working with NIAC on IVF funding in Northern Ireland and meeting with regional members of More To Life to raise awareness fo the valuable work put in by the local volunteers and support group.  Sharon is also attending a Facebook training session  - we're hoping to see more of her on the I N UK, MTL & ACeBabes facebook pages, if you've not yet 'Liked' us you can do see using the links below:


I N UK http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Infertility-Network-UK/201370049892442
I N Scotland http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Infertility-Network-Scotland/110398088995644
More To Life http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/More-To-Life/153493458044957
ACeBabes http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/ACeBabes/108648085827898


Fiona is following up a new venue offer for the Omagh support group and organising a speaker for the next Belfast group and working with local volunteers to continue to raise awareness of the support available in Northern Ireland.

We are in the recruitment process for the Regional Organiser posts in England - please do see the Find a Friend forum for informaiton on local get togehter - or why not suggest your own!

I am delighted to say the Monday night virtual support group continues to be a welcome source of support to all our members - wherever they are, everyone is welcome to drop in to a facilitated chat between 8 and 9pm each Monday.  The chatrooms are also open 24/7 so can be used at any time to find online support and chat from others who understand.



We're still looking for blogging buddies to come forward to help set up a infertility community blog on our new HealthUnlocked site - if you are interested do get in touch with Tracey - traceysainsbury@infertilitynetworkuk.com


Gwenda had a funding focus to the start of the week but has also worked with regional media following the launch of a new patient online service, she has also been working with a regional fundraiser and attending a funding training day in Glasgow.  

Claire is editing the next issue of the magazine, working with ACeBabes articles for a future newsletter and working on the next More To Life newsletter too.  We'd still love to hear from you for future publications - especially men! It would be great to hear from male therpaists working in infertility too - if you're interested in submitting a male factor infertility professional article do get in touch with Claire - claireogilvie@infertilitynetworkuk.com

And don't forget it's not just in print we want our menfolk to feel more included.  We offer additional usernames to partners to enable access to the online community - this goes for same sex couples too.  You just need to email Tracey your preferences and you'll soon be ready to access support, advice & information online too.  traceysainsbury@infertilitynetworkuk.com

As always - we are your charity, working to make experiencing infertility less difficult.  We welcome your ideas, thoughts, suggestions, complaints, irritations and comments, if you'd like to share your views about how we can improve the services we offer then do get in touch. 






Wednesday 8 June 2011

What an exciting week...

Well this week got off to an incredibly busy start with the publication yesterday of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Infertility.

You can access links to the full report, the National Infertility Awareness Campaign's Press Satetement and a selction of media articles on our news feed by clicking here.




Clare had a busy start to the week participating in several conference calls and attending the press briefing for the report launch.  It was a great to have her on hand to participate in several TV and radio interviews as well as being able to answer questions form jounralists.

Clare is assisting with Rachel, the Chair of the Board of Trustees in interviewing for new members of staff to join the team later this week too.  We're looking forward to welcoming some new faces.

Susan has been chasing her tail helping find case studies, for the launch of the new male fertility test at the weekend and for the report - don't forget if at any time you think you'd like to be more involved with our media work you're welcome to assist in any way  - do get in touch with Susan.  You don't always have to use your real name or provide a photograph, we always looking to expand our database of media friendly contacts.

We continue to look at ways to raise awareness that the support offered is equally available to men and women  - for that reason several members of staff took part in a conference call this morning.  We'd love to hear your ideas too!

But if you're a man reading our blog, following us on twitter or 'liking' the facebook page - please do share how we can improve things.  Get in touch here


Sheena has attended a meeting at the Scottish Parliament with Gwenda and been looking at additional funding streams.  Gwenda has been planning ahead looking at future support group meetings in Ayrshire and Arran as well as promoting the Lanarkshire group.

Sharon has been working with the media too, speaking to the BBC about the new male fertility test and with Fiona has also attended a meeting with the Fertility Counselling Service. Sharon is attending the Omagh support group this week and Fiona is attending the Derry group. 

Claire has been putting together the next magazine, several members have shared how helpful they find the professional articles written or adapted to be easier understood by anyone interested in infertility.  So if you work professionally in the field of infertility and would like to write for a future edition of the magazine please do get in touch.  Claire would love to hear from you to share the guidelines for writing for us. email Claire here










Wednesday 1 June 2011

What we're up to - week commencing 30th May 2011...

It's a bit quiet here this week, Clare our Chief Executive and Sharon our NI Regional Organiser are both on annual leave, we hope they're having fun!  Susan our Communications Officer is also absent this week as she's on Jury Service, but everyone else is as busy as ever, especially answering questions about regional funding eligibility, if you're unsure of what is provided by your PCT or Health Board do see the Funding For Fertility section of the website.  Use the regional map to find your area - and you can compare your adjacent regions too.  If you've found a significant diffrence in funding and want assistance in highlighting that locally through the media do email Susan, she will be checking emails regularly and would love to hear from you.



Gwenda is attending the Lanarkshire Support Group meeting and may also be attending the Access Criteria Group meeting in Glasgow with Sheena.  Gwenda is also going to be meeting with a new regional fertility counsellor and finalising reports to be published.

Fiona is working with the three NI support groups, promoting the groups and planning ahead to invite speakers.  She is also taking member calls whilst Sharon is on leave.




Sheena is looking at ways to promote Legacy Giving as well as revamping the fundraising section on all three sites, you can download the Legacy Giving information booklet here; as ever we'd love to hear your fundraising ideas and suggestions.  Do get in touch with Sheena if you'd like to get involved.


Claire is currently working on the next edition of the I N UK Members Magazine and Tracey is working on the next eNewsletter.  Do join now to make sure you receive your magazine and you can sign up for the eNewsletter on the homepage.

As always do get in touch with your questions, suggestions or feedback.

Have a good week





Thursday 26 May 2011

What we're up to - week commencing 23rd May

Exciting times are ahead!

Clare and Tracey attended a meeting with HealthUnlocked yesterday to discuss the next steps in extending our online resources to everyone experiencing infertility. 



Our HealthUnlocked resource will not replace our website or forums where additional changes are taking place soon, but will instead provide different ways of connecting with others in similar situations, finding and sharing information and keeping up to date with what's happening at Infertility Network UK, More To Life & ACeBabes.

If you'd like to be involved do get in touch with Tracey who will give you more information.  You  don't need to be a member of I N UK. We're here to help everyone and want anyone interested to have the opportunity to help to get it right for you!

Clare has been working on the PCT project this week, looking at next steps in the project.  As you are possibly aware we've also been recruiting lately so Clare is shortlisting and preparing to interview candidates who we hope will be joining the team soon.

Susan has been working with the media, helping to find case studies for several journalists.  If you have or are living with infertility and would be willing to help with our campaigning for increased awareness of infertility by sharing your story then do get in touch with Susan.  You won't be contacted by anyone from the press directly, you will have the opportunity to say no and you decide what you can do and when. 

Gwenda's week has a support focus - meeting with and speaking to support groups for conditions that can go alongside infertility, new regional groups are currently being set up so do keep an eye on the forums if you're in Scotland. 

This week is Helene's last week with Infertility Network UK, she will be much missed by the team and her regional  members. We all wish her happiness for the future.



Sheena has been busy working on revamping the fundraising information for all parts of the charity.  It's great that we now are signed up with both JustGiving & BT MyDonate.  If you'd like to fundraise or donate to  Infertility Network UK, More To Life or ACeBabes you can do so under the banner of Infertility Network UK using either site to create your own fundraising page.  We will also create a web page for you on the I N UK site/s of your choice and help to promote your event or initiative.

Diane who runs the Professional Advice Line (PAL) is on leave next Monday and Wednesday, but members can add their questions to the PAL forum and replies will be sent when she returns. We hope she has a super break.

Sharon, like the rest of the team, has been writing up her report for the next magazine, she has also been planning ACeBabes events and working on IVF funding.  Sharon is away next week, we hope the sun shines for her.

Fiona has been working with support groups for I N UK and MTL, she's looking at ways to raise the profile of the MTL group, on the website and through our social networks.


Don't foget you can follow all parts of the charity on twitter:




We hope you all have a good Bank Holiday weekend






Monday 23 May 2011

Infertility in the news

On the reasons some people are going to Denmark for donor sperm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-13487687


'The Baby Business' Lord Winston Accuses Some Clinics of Overcharging

Many people have their own views about creating 'saviour siblings' to help save lives. Like most other issues, perhaps it's only when you yourself are in that position that you can understand the difficulties faced by couples: similar in some ways to IVF - if you haven't had problems conceiving you can't imagine the heartbreak that can cause.

Saturday 21 May 2011

Could you talk to the Independent today?

The independent are doing a feature on infertility and looking at the high costs charged by some of the private clinics - if you could do a telephone interview today and supply a photograph could you please email me susanseenan@infertilitynetworkuk.com
Many thanks
Susan

Tuesday 17 May 2011

What we're up to, week commencing May 16th 2011...

I'll begin this week with an apology; our Spring magazine featured an article on Fundraiser of the Year and mistakenly referred to “Volunteer of the Year” and not “Fundraiser of the Year” in the final paragraph where it outlined that the award would be made at The Fertility Show in London on 4th/5th November.

This award is solely for fundraisers, although the charity is currently recruiting a full time Volunteer Coordinator through a grant from the Department of Health and will indeed be reintroducing our award for Volunteer of the Year in due course, which will be in addition to the Fundraiser of the Year award.

I N UK genuinely value all volunteers and fundraisers who do sterling work for the charity and apologise for any confusion the article may have caused.

Last week Tracey attended the launch of the HealthUnlocked Tracker on Thursday.  We are working with HealthUnlocked introducing a new online community blog site to coincide with some big changes to the website.  Do sign up for our eNewsletter to be kept up to date with forthcoming plans!

If you're an infertility blogger and think you'd like to know more then do get in touch with Tracey.

Clare has already attended funding meetings this week and has a full week with conference calls for Fertility Europe and meetings with European medical professionals as well as meeting with one of our Trustees and a member of the More To Life Steering Committee.

Sheena is working on a National Infertility Awareness Campaign survey, we'll be asking you to please go online to complete it soon!  Sheena along with Gwenda also attended a meeting of the National Infertility Group yesterday in Edinburgh and is participating in a conference call with Susan and Tracey tomorrow to decide on plans to update the fundraising section on the website.  We're always keen to hear your suggestions, as always do get in touch with any ideas.

Gwenda's focus this week after attending the NIG Meeting is on venue hunting in Lanarkshire, researching & writing a magazine article and drawing up an agenda for a management committee meeting.  And in between that there's other admin tasks to do too.

Sharon is out and about visiting three clinics this week and on Saturday is heading off to Oxford Island for the NI AceBabes Family Day.  We all hope the sun shines for them.

Fiona is venue hunting too, this time on Omagh, rescheduling a support group meeting and following up on tasks from the MTL meeting.   

Susan is exploring possible future patient training events, workshops that equip patients with information to use when appealling for NHS funded treatment.  Susan has also been working on this years Fertility Show and on an ACeBabes project to have relevant and useful information on our YouTube channel.

We hope you all have a good week, do get in touch any time, we're here to help.

Monday 16 May 2011

Infertility is a condition the NHS can't afford to treat !!


Infertility is distressing, says M Pemberton, but it’s a condition the NHS can ill-afford to treat .

In his column he suggests infertility is 'not a disease' and quotes 'Thirty years ago, the tragedy of infertility was something that individuals and couples had to come to terms with.' although he doesn't address the fact that thirty years ago many medical conditions were something people had to live with until science found a way to treat them.

Let us have your thoughts on his views ......

Sunday 15 May 2011

Monday 9 May 2011

Media request - can you help?

‘Channel 4 is looking for couples to take part in a new television programme called ‘I’ll Do Anything to Have a Baby’. They would like to find couples who are trying to get pregnant, have been down every avenue to conceive and are willing to try anything to have a baby. The documentary will follow 3 different couples, the difficulties they face, the lengths they have already been to, and what options they have for the future. Anyone who is interested in taking part, please contact Imogen on 0207 156 6916 or email Imogen.willcocks@crackitproductions.co.uk‘.

Thursday 5 May 2011

New TV Series

A new television series starts tonight on BBC One, using computer animation to describe human physiology and anatomy. The first episode details human biological creation.

Clip: The sperm production line (BBC iPlayer, 02:50 mins)

Clip: Sperm attacked by the immune system (BBC iPlayer, 01:13 mins)


Wednesday 4 May 2011

Your Views on Unfair Access to NHS Fertility Treatment

A report is currently being compiled by a Westminster MP on the lack of implementation of full funding for fertility treatment. We need some patient comments to be included in the report on the postcode lottery, PCT eligibility criteria, cuts in funding etc and the comments can be anonymous. There will be no need to speak to the press, you would only have to send me your brief personal account in around 200-400 words.
This is a real chance to put your comments to the politicians so please email me susanseenan@infertilitynetworkuk.com. None of your information will be passed on other than that included in your personal account.

Many thanks

Susan

Tuesday 3 May 2011

What we're up to week commencing 2nd May...

It's always great coming back to work after a long weekend, there's always plenty to be getting on with and lots to do.  This week we're putting together the next eNewsletter and members will soon be receiving their latest magazine. 

But it's not just about member publications, Diane is back on Wednesday when the PAL - Professional Advice Line will re-open between 10am and 4pm.  Before then all members can leave information & advice requests for Diane on the PAL forum.  We have PAl's for all parts of the charity - so in moving on to ACeBabes or More To Life you're still able to access factual advice & professional support.

Clare has had to hit the ground running this week as her day got off to a busy start with two conference calls in quick succession this morning with another this afternoon.  Clare's travelling down to London later in the week with meetings with Government Departments and then spending Friday at our Head Office in Bexhill.

Claire is already preparing for the next members magazine and More To Life newsletter, she'd love ot have more member experiences to share, so if you're keen to see your story in print do please get in touch with Claire.  Claire is also receiving applications for the current vacancies at I N UK - there is still time to apply!

Sheena is now back from annual leave and is looking at ways to improve benefits to members and in ways to work more closely with our advertisers.  If you're interested in supporting I N UK or in advertising in the magazine or on the website then do get in touch with Sheena

Helene is working with regional clinics to ensure there all have supplies of patient information leaflets; we aim to be easy to find for anyone needing support. It's also Helene's birthday this week, we hope she has a super time!

Fiona is currently organising future support events and following up on information requests and Sharon is iff to a NI Assembly Elections Hustings Event. It is so important to get to know and work with politicians; having the opportunity to hear their views at an early stage can make a big difference. Sharon is also looking at regional funding and Grant applications.

If you'd like to know more about any aspect of our work - please do get in touch!  And please do remember we are MUCH more than a website :)

Hope you have a good week!

IVF With a Gentle Touch

There is an interesting article in the Independent about low dose or natural IVF, with particular relevance to those with a high FSH level
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/ivf-with-a-gentle-touch-2277983.html

Interesting reading,
Susan

Tuesday 19 April 2011

What we're up to - weeks commencing 18th and 25th April...

With so many Bank Holidays coming up I've collated what we're up to for the next 2 weeks...

It a sad start to this weeks blog as it will be the last one that includes Kate as our fabulous London Regional Organiser - Kate leaves us next week and will be MUCH missed.  We all wish her well.  She is currently making sure she's got things ready to hand over to the new RO; we're currently in the process of recruiting for the role - do get in touch for more information of this and other vacancies if you're interested.

Clare, Tracey, Sheena & Susan have been exploring a new online initiative - exciting times in the world of community blogs!  Do keep an eye out for updates and to see how you can get more involved as one of our online volunteers.

Clare is also working on NHS fertility funding with meetings planned in London and with  a Commissioning Group.  Clare's also meeting with a MP to look at funding in his constiuency. 

Claire is on annual leave this week, she's picked a great week to enjoy the sunshine, as Claire returns Ali then goes off next week for 2 weeks annual leave.  We hope she has a great time too!

Sharon is this week meeting with MTL volunteers, we'd love ot have more information from regional members on the MTL site - and I N Uk & ACeBabes too, do get in touch if you'd like to get more involved.  Sharon is also working on grant applications and finalising a report on the Think Positive workshops. The next Stork support group is coming up too - do keep an eye on the NI forum for info and updates from Fiona & Sharon.

Sheena has been working on new funding streams and getting everything in place to welcome a new Business Development Manager when they come on board.  It really is an exciting time when new people join the team. 

Gwenda has been meeting with local volunteers, planning new support groups and active members getting more involved.  Do get int ouch with Gwenda if you'd like to know about regional support services.  We are happy to have regional chats if members are keen - for I N UK, MTL and/or ACeBabes.  All it takes is members to make it happen! Gwenda's also been helping the BBC  - taking part in a radio documentary and planning future mail outs.

Helene has been working on ACeBabes events and regional funding.  Do see the ACeBabes forums for information.  Helene is also promoting our support servides at a Women & Mental Health event and working on raising awareness of local I N UK & MTL groups too!

Diane will be on the PAL on line & on the phone on Wednesday this week and then back to normal from Wednesday 4th May, please do remember the Helpliners and Linkliners are here to offer telephone support when the PAL is closed. (PAL = Professional Advice Line for those who think I N UK is 'just' a website.  With those in mind, do you know about the magazine too? There really is a lot more than the website!

We all hope you have an eggstremely good Easter and happy flag waving for the 29th.  A quick reminder to sign off - infertility can feel incredibly isolating, especially when families & friends get together. Do be kind to you and check out the Coping Strategies factsheet for quick fixes and longer lasting ideas too 

Infertility services reduced as NHS cuts costs


Childless couples are being denied infertility treatment as NHS managers try to cut costs, according to GPs.

A survey of family doctors has found that 77 per cent said that their local Primary Care Trusts, which currently buy treatment, had restricted procedures such as IVF.

Women are supposed to be able to access three cycles of infertility treatment – costing more than £4,000 each - on the NHS but many areas have stopped providing it altogether.

The poll also found that four in 10 GPs (40 per cent) said eyesight services were being restricted while almost a third (30 per cent) said orthopaedic surgery, such as hip replacements, had been cut.

Some doctors (6 per cent) had even seen restrictions placed on cancer care while a tenth had seen waiting times lengthen for such services.

As a result, 39 per cent of GPs said more patients were starting to ask about going private while 31 per cent plan to make more private referrals. Even more would do so if more patients had medical insurance.

The poll of 500 GPs, carried out on behalf of the private hospital firm Spire Healthcare, provides the latest evidence that the NHS is rationing services in order to make savings of £20billion by 2015.

It comes after figures showed that patients are being denied drugs for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis, as PCT managers put more expensive treatments on “red lists” that only hospital consultants can prescribe.

Leading surgeons have also warned that trusts are delaying operations or denying them completely in order to save money, leaving patients in pain.

The situation is likely to worsen as the NHS tries to make unprecedented efficiency savings, even though it has escaped the budget cuts affecting other public services.

However it could help the Government justify its controversial reforms to the health service, which are intended to help GPs get the treatment their patients need by handing them the power to commission services as scrapping the PCT middle managers.

Dr Paul Silverston, a GP in Newmarket, said: “It is apparent that we are seeing waiting times for surgery and other services starting to increase and the recent changes in the NHS can only accelerate this trend.”
Portcullis Public Affairs

Tuesday 12 April 2011

What we're up to - week commencing 11th April...

It a mixed week this week - lots of us working on different projects, in different places, at different times with a common theme.  Making things easier, better, simpler or to give greater understanding to anyone experiencing or interested in finding out about infertility. 

Another full week then!

Clare is working with an infertility publications company, attending meetings to discuss regional funding for IVF, meeting fertility nurses and meeting with a local MP.  A very busy week, but one which will hopefully be very productive too.



Claire has been working on the next editions of the MTL Newsletter and the I N UK magazine.  We are collating member stories for a future ACeBabes newsletter too.  Please do send in your stories, members frequently share it reading 'real life' experiences that can be of real benefit.  Claire has also been promoting our current vacancies, we've got three posts recruiting at the moment, if you're interested do have a look and get in touch with Claire.

Sheena, our Business Development Manager is busy ensuring she's ready for when the additional BDM comes on board and exploring grant sources to apply for to enable us to recruit additional staff members to further enhance the services we can offer.  Sheena is also covering media enquiries whilst Susan is away.

Susan is enjoying the last week of her holiday - we hope she's having fun, though the thought of skiing in this beautiful sunshine seems a bit strange.


Gwenda is preparing for a radio interview being recorded this weekend, do see the Scottish forum for updates and to see when you can listen in.  Gwenda has also been working her local Council for Voluntary Services, continuing the Scottish Health Board project, working on regional funding issues and still had time to have a chat about assisting in moderating the forums and website with Tracey this morning.

Helene has been busy with the Nottingham Support Group, last nights meeting included a Life Coach as a guest speaker.   Helene is planning an ACeBabes get together at Easter, bumps, babies, big kids all welcome to attend with parents - ACeBabes is for all parents who have experienced infertility, regardless of how you came to be a family. Do keep an eye on the ACeBabes events page for info.  Helene's also finalising for a seminar next week and venue finding for a new support group. 

Kate is working to ensure her desk is cleared before she goes, she will be a much missed member of the team. But in amongst finishing things she is off to a meeting at the RCOG and writing a couple of pieces for future magazines.

Sharon is preparing a presentation to deliver to Fertility Nurses at a meeting with her local Fertility Nurse Advisors and the Fertility Counselling Service.  Ensuring professional understand how it feels for patients is a really important part of the work we do, aiming to make patient's journey's through treatment one in which they do feel understood and empathised with. Sharon is also preparing her 6monthly report to the Health & Social Care Board and liaising with Fiona on local support initiatives and groups.  Fiona will be attending the Omagh group this week, do get in touch if you want to know more!

Diane our PAL - Professional Advice Line is available online 24/7 with replies being sent during the 'open times' Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10-4pm. Members can call Diane during those time and also have access to our 24/7 telephone support LinkLine and our fabulous HelpLiners too.


The website is only a small part of the services we offer to members, if you've not joined yet do let us know why not!  We want to get it right for you.


Sunday 10 April 2011

We're recruiting...

Voluntary and paid jobs added - work from home or at the office in Bexhill on Sea. 


Deputy Chief Executive – Salary c. £23,000 per annum

A full-time post working 35 hours per week. The post can be based either at Head Office in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, or home based.
The post is initially on a one year contract with a permanent contract being dependent upon performance and funding.

Working closely with our current Chief Executive, who is based in Liverpool, the job will involve the following:

 Working alongside, supporting and deputising for the Chief Executive, executing agreed delegated activities as required
 Leading on all aspects of organisational policy development and to ensure that all policies remain up-to-date and relevant
 Supporting the Chief Executive on issues such as change management, organisational structure and development
 Contributing to the strategic direction of the organisation
 Supporting the Chief Executive in the management of the charity finances
 Supporting the Chief Executive in the delivery of the objectives within the business plan
 Maintaining and developing robust partnership arrangements with external agencies
 Assisting the Chief Executive in the management of staff and resources

The successful applicant should:
 Have worked in the charitable sector
 Have a proven track record in a leadership role
 Have delivered information and/or internal/external communications programmes
 Have worked with and influenced a wide range of groups and individuals
 Have excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to influence and collaborate with others
 Demonstrable track record in a range of promotional and media activities
 Experience of leading a geographically dispersed team
 Financially astute, with a strong understanding of company accounts
 Have an understanding of infertility issues
 Be able to travel extensively
Closing date for application requests: Thursday 12th May 2011
Candidates for will have an interest in working with sensitive issues and a professional approach in dealing with highly sensitive and confidential information.

All application packs will be sent out via email only, please call Claire Ogilvie on 01424 732402 or email: claireogilvie@infertilitynetworkuk.com to request a pack.


Business Development Manager – £10.20 per hour

A part-time post working 20 hours per week initially with a possibility of increasing hours dependent on funding and affordability.
The post can be based either at Head Office in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, or home based.

The post is initially on a one year contract with a permanent contract being dependent upon performance and funding.

Working closely with our current Head of Business Development, who is based in Scotland, the job will involve the following:

 Work with the Head of Business Development to implement and update the fundraising strategy
 Research, identify and pursue all short and long term fundraising opportunities that match I N UK’s aims and activities and generate additional income outside of the current income model
 Research and identify potential corporate partnership scheme members
 Play an active role in the management of the charity particularly in the area of external relationships
 Research and identify potential grant-making organisations
 Support in the research and identification of potential advertisers, selling advertising opportunities on the charity’s websites as well as within the charity’s written publications

The successful applicant should:
 Have worked with and influenced a wide range of groups and individuals
 Have sales related experience, including cold calling and opening new opportunities
 Have a demonstrable track record in networking and building successful relationships with supporters and in identifying opportunities and closing them
 Have excellent written and verbal communication skills; organisational skills; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to influence and collaborate with others
 Have an understanding of infertility issues
 Be able to travel extensively – in particular around the London region
Candidates for will have an interest in working with sensitive issues and a professional approach in dealing with highly sensitive and confidential information.

All application packs will be sent out via email only, please call Claire Ogilvie on 01424 732402 or email: claireogilvie@infertilitynetworkuk.com to request a pack.
Closing date for application requests: Thursday 12th May 2011


Regional Organiser for London and the South East – Salary c. £17,500 per annum

Infertility Network UK provides emotional and practical support to those facing difficulties in conceiving and campaigns on their behalf, and has the following vacancy:-

Regional Organiser for London and the South East

A full-time post working 35 hours per week. The post is home based within the region.  The post is initially on a one year contract with a permanent contract being dependent upon performance and funding.
You will be required to:

 Promote I N UK, More To Life (MTL) and ACeBabes within the region
 Provide moral support and advice for existing I N U K support groups and their members and assist in setting up new support groups;
 Promote and co-ordinate fundraising initiatives within the region
 Organise regional events
 Co-ordinate activities within the region by liaising with individuals, local groups, relevant agencies, hospitals/clinics
 Work with the regional media
 Provide regional representation for the charity

The successful candidate will have excellent computer skills in Windows applications, including MS Office,  Powerpoint and use of Internet; proven ability in arranging meetings and travel; well organised with excellent decision-making and inter-personal skills as well as the ability to work unsupervised or within a team environment. He/she would be expected to be committed to high standards and using initiative with efficiency and discretion.

Candidates for will have an interest in working with sensitive issues and a professional approach in dealing with highly sensitive and confidential information.

All application packs will be sent out via email only, please call Claire Ogilvie on 01424 732402 or email: claireogilvie@infertilitynetworkuk.com to request a pack.

Closing date for application requests: Thursday 12th May 2011

Friday 8 April 2011

A 'pause' in the health reforms

Dear All,

Yesterday the Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Health Secretary Andrew Lansley travelled to Frimley Park hospital in Surrey to try and rescue the Government’s health policy. In front of an invited audience of health professionals and hospital staff, and flanked by his two colleagues, the Prime Minister announced what he called a period of pause and reflection in the legislative progress of the Health & Social Care Bill, which many had feared was being driven through Parliament at breakneck speed. The pause in the process of health reform was signposted as a time for the Government to ‘listen’ to the views of doctors and patients by undertaking a series of public meetings around the country. However, the announcement had much more to do with political choreography between the Coalition partners in the face of widespread Lib Dem dissent, than a sudden desire for wider consultation. It was clear from the tone of the announcement that this ‘listening exercise’ is not going to lead to a change in the overall direction of the Bill.

In his speech yesterday, Cameron admitted that staying with the Health & Social Care Bill as it currently stands was not an option. However he outlined his support for the broad goals of the policy which would include giving more control to GPs and patients, reducing bureaucracy, and giving greater freedom to hospitals. Cameron was firm that the NHS needed to adapt to meet the burden of an ageing population and warned the public that in order to keep the NHS free at the point of use, it would have to be made more efficient.  He announced the creation of a panel of experts known as the NHS Future Forum, headed by former chairman of the Royal College of GPs, Professor Steve Field. The Forum will take the lead on the exercise over the next two months. In addition, Chief Executive of Acevo, Sir Stephen Bubb will chair a panel on competition and choice. By bringing in ‘experts’, the Government is trying to temper speculation that the reforms are ideologically motivated and to protect themselves against any future controversy by being able to say that the plans were reviewed and amended by independent experts.

Some aspects for reform have already been earmarked by the Health Secretary, most notably opening the NHS up to private sector providers. In his speech, Lansley observed that the previous Labour Government had given preferential deals to private providers and that, unlike Labour, this Government would take steps to protect against so-called ‘cherry-picking’ by the private sector. The Prime Minister also indicated that the Government would take seriously suggestions to improve the accountability of GP consortia.

The main issue for the Government, as highlighted in previous updates, is that Andrew Lansley has failed to communicate his vision and has allowed the public debate to plunge into a panic at the perceived privatisation of the NHS.  Furthermore, the policy heaps a great deal of extra work on the shoulders of NHS staff and GPs in particular, at a time when they are trying to make cuts and continue to improve quality. The timeline for the reforms had clearly been drawn up on the basis of the next general election rather than on the timescale necessary for them to be properly implemented. As with all radical change, shrieking headlines were always going to dog the policy but it was the lack of any concerted effort on the part of Lansley to counter the arguments and be clear about the intentions of his policy that has led to this dramatic intervention. Lansley has repeated the mistake of previous Labour governments which failed to get buy-in to their policy from NHS staff, culminating in the need to bring in Lord Darzi to re-sell health reforms to the health service. It was as result of this that in 2008, there was speculation in the press that Labour was no longer the party to be trusted with the NHS.

Although there was no great detail, the policy was in the Conservative manifesto. The manifesto said ‘We will strengthen the power of GPs as patients’ expert guides through the system by giving them the power to hold patients’ budgets and commission care on their behalf... putting them in charge of commissioning local health services.’  It would have been highly irresponsible for David Cameron to have expended so much energy during the 2010 election campaign in trying to prove the Conservatives could be trusted with the NHS if he had not read the policy proposed by Lansley and fully endorsed it. The Grand Overseer of Government policy, Oliver Letwin, gave the reforms his backing in the autumn 2010 after their announcement produced a frenzy of protest in the media. Ultimately, this indicates that the Conservatives are happy with the policy and the Government will try and achieve the intended outcomes, one way or the other.

Cameron will happily tinker with the Bill to save face, while Lansley is wedded to his plan as it was originally conceived. However, having been forced to make an intervention Lansley will have to accept whatever revisions to the Bill Cameron deems politically expedient. The pause may save enough face for the Bill to be salvaged with a few reasonable amendments such as the extension of deadlines and the qualification of language.

A Government memo has been leaked to the Guardian outlining some red lines that will not be changed, essentially the broad principles outlined above such as establishing GP consortia and making all hospitals Foundation Trusts. However, it also suggests that the expansion of the role of Monitor and the abolition of Strategic Health Authorities will be delayed until July 2012.

It has been a difficult episode for Andrew Lansley, who was not supported by a single Cabinet Minister on the front bench when he gave his statement to the Commons on Monday. David Cameron has publicly stated his support for Lansley, but that was probably for the sake of presenting a united front and in reality, Lansley is now firmly out in the cold. Giving the Opposition ammunition to accuse the Conservatives of wrecking and privatising the NHS is an unforgivable offence for a Conservative team who had dedicated all their energy to making the Tories look caring.
Portcullis Public Affairs

Wednesday 6 April 2011

Health & Social Care Bill - Summary of expected statement

It has been an extremely difficult week for Health Secretary Andrew Lansley and his proposed health reforms. First came reports that Prime Minister David Cameron was preparing to take personal control of the Health & Social Care Bill in order to limit the potential political damage to both the Coalition and Tory brands in the run up to local elections. Then came additional coverage speculating that Cameron was now listening to David Nicholson, not Lansley, over the direction of reforms.

This intense media speculation coupled with a cacophony of criticism from all manner of health groups and political commentators led to Lansley taking the unusual step of making a statement to the Commons on Monday afternoon in which he outlined his proposals to appease critics and defend his policy against not only those openly opposing the reforms but also his colleagues and the Prime Minister. Today the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Lansley are expected to make a joint statement outlining the initiation of a ‘listening exercise’. The exercise will collect the views of doctors and patients over the next two months. The aim of this unusual consultation, right in the middle of the progress of the Bill, is to regain some of the confidence they have lost among NHS staff and also repair any damage to the Coalition in the public’s eyes.

On Monday, Lansley’s statement began by outlining why the reforms were necessary for the modernisation of the NHS and that the progress made so far was “very encouraging” with nearly 90 percent of the country now covered by pathfinder commissioning groups. However, he went on to admit that the “speed of progress has brought with it some substantive concerns”. While arguing that some of these concerns were “misplaced or based on misrepresentation” he did recognise that “some of them were genuine.” As such, Lansley announced that the Government was taking the “opportunity of a natural break in the passage of the Bill to pause, listen and engage with all those who want the NHS to succeed, and subsequently to bring forward amendments to improve the plans further in the normal way.”

This is an astonishing turn of events considering Lansley’s single-mindedness since the reforms were announced in the autumn last year. He has ploughed on with the reforms outlined in his White Paper, despite the level of concerns voiced in the public arena.  It is therefore questionable to what extent the Health Secretary jumped in making his statement and how much he was pushed. Newspapers have been full of comment about what it means for the future of the Health Secretary and the reforms. The Guardian commented that not “a single voting member of the Cabinet lent their support to the Health Secretary by sitting alongside him on the frontbench yesterday”, the Telegraph meanwhile ran an article by Dr Sarah Wollaston MP, Member of the Health Select Committee and a Conservative MP, who suggested that the Health Bill would require “emergency surgery” if it was to regain the support of patient groups and organisations.

Wollaston’s comments came as the Health Select Committee struck another blow to the reforms. The publication of the Committee’s report into commissioning came at the worst moment for Lansley. It was heavy in its criticism of the proposed GP commissioning consortia instead suggesting that the remit of commissioning be widened to include a range of medical and political stakeholders.  It also called for amendments to the Bill to ensure greater levels of accountability for what it called “NHS Commissioning Authorities” (otherwise known as GP consortia plus). It has been speculated that this report could lead to the appointment of Committee Chair Stephen Dorrell MP if Lansley is forced to resign over the debacle. Dorrell was formerly a Health Secretary so he is more than qualified for the post.  However, speculation of the removal is looking premature with the Prime Minister widely expected to use today’s statement to emphasise his support for Lansley. To remain publicly committed to the reforms seems to be the Government’s only option to salvage some credibility out of the situation, a position Lansley clearly took when he first announced his plans in 2010.

In the joint statement today, the Government is expected to argue that change is necessary and to rule out any complete U-turn. Even now, Lansley is reportedly still keen not to sacrifice parts of his plan to political pressure. Chancellor George Osborne is also concerned that to go pick apart the reforms would be an admission that the Conservatives are a risk to the NHS – a reputation he strove hard to put to bed in the election campaign. Ministers at the Department of Health reportedly believe that the reforms are greatly misunderstood and therefore Cameron, Clegg and Lansley are going to try to present a united front, supporting minor tinkering as opposed to backtracking. Arguably the concerns of Ministers are correct, Lansley has never clearly articulated his vision to the public or the NHS and perhaps the communication skills of more senior colleagues will be enough to get the message across. However, having opened themselves up to an unprecedented consultation on the Bill, mid-legislative passage, the Government will have to make some changes in order to prove it is ‘listening’. Professor Chris Ham of the respected health think tank the King’s Fund has said that ‘the real choice is not between the status quo or change, but between the right reforms, executed well, or poorly planned reforms that could undermine NHS performance.’ The Government is expected to announce the creation of an ‘NHS Future Forum’ headed by a supporter of Lansley’s reforms, Professor Steve Field, former head of the Royal College of GPs. It will include a choice and competition panel chaired by Sir Stephen Bubb, Chief Executive of Acevo.

The Bill will and must progress if the Coalition is to continue to be seen as authoritative. David Cameron, who spent so long trying to detoxify the Tory brand, will go to great lengths to ensure this. The “natural break” indicated by Lansley is seen by some within Westminster to mean after the local and devolved elections in May, with the Coalition hoping that the reforms will be off the front page by then. As for Lansley, it seems unlikely that Cameron will shuffle him out of the Cabinet just yet. After all, getting rid of the Health Secretary would be tantamount to admitting that the reforms were wrong - something that the Prime Minister will want to avoid considering the difficult first year in power that he and his colleagues have faced.

Summary of expected statement
  • Creation of an ‘NHS Future Forum’ headed by Professor Steve Field with a competition and choice panel headed by Sir Stephen Bubb
  • Deadline of April 2013 for abolition of PCTs will not be an ‘absolute cut-off’
  • NHS Commissioning Board to take control of local services where consortia are judged ‘not up to scratch’
  • More accountability within GP consortia
  • Measures to introduce ‘fair’ competition and prevent private firms cherry-picking the best services


Sam Blyth and Georgina Seagrave
Portcullis Public Affairs
St James House
13 Kensington Square
London W8 5HD


Information resources:
BBC news article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12962003The Times article: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article2974476.ece