
From Public Health Scotland today:
During the quarter ending 30 September 2023, the 90% standard was met, with 99.7% of patients attending a screening appointment within 52 weeks of referral. One patient waited more than 52 weeks to be screened.
https://www.publichealthscotland.scot/publications/ivf-waiting-times-in-scotland/ivf-waiting-times-in-scotland-quarter-ending-30-september-2023/
The evidence for the headline’s claims? These two research studies in 2022:
83% of respondents felt sad, frustrated and worried often or all the time as a result of fertility problems and/or treatment, 47% experienced feelings of depression often or all the time, and 10% experienced suicidal feelings often or all the time. However, a further 30% reported suicidal feelings sometimes or occasionally, so in total 40% experienced suicidal feelings.
According to the results obtained by assessment of MINI scale , the prevalence of major depressive disorder (50 % ) followed by Dysthymia (persistent depression) (25%) was documented among infertile group while suicidality at 15% were significantly higher than other disorder. No such cases of suicidality or Dysthymia was found among patients of control group (fertile group).
And across the rest of the UK?
The privatisation of healthcare services in the UK has created unequal access to IVF treatment, according to research from the Queen Mary University of London.
According to the study, many people are no longer unable to afford IVF treatment in the UK. The UK’s fertility chief has warned that the cost-of-living crisis and lengthy NHS waiting lists are denying people to opportunity to start a family.
https://www.healtheuropa.com/new-research-finds-inequalities-in-access-to-ivf-treatment-on-the-nhs/121595/
And over time? Since records began, the IVF programme has beaten the target.
Sources:
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Fertility-Network-Infertility-and-Fertility-treatment-Impact-report-2022.pdf

It does not take a ‘journalistic genius’ to work out what the headline will be: “Anguish of patient who has waited OVER A YEAR for IVF appointment!” Her Dameness the Jaikie of Baillie has said, ‘Pure bad. Yousaf must resign now! Privatise such treatments.’
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