CONTROVERSIAL cuts to the number of IVF cycles available to infertile couples on the NHS come into effect today.

NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG approved plans in July which mean residents struggling to conceive are no longer entitled to two cycles of IVF, and will receive only one.

They now also need to meet "appropriate clinical and lifestyle requirements which include age, weight, smoking status and alcohol consumption."

The cuts will also see parents no longer being given specialist baby milks such as soya milks, thickened infant formula, formula for lactose intolerance and all ready-to-use infant formula, free on prescription.

The prescription of gluten-free foods have also been stopped.

The prescription of treatments and medicines for short-term minor conditions are restricted, as well as the prescription of oral vitamins and minerals.

The ruling was backed in public Governing Body meetings for NHS South Worcestershire, NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove, and NHS Wyre Forest CCG, on July 5 and July 6.

The CCGs said more than 5,000 people had provided their views in a 10-week public engagement. 

Mari Gay, Interim Chief Operating Officer for the Worcestershire CCGs, said: “We are very grateful to the many people who shared their views and gave feedback on the proposals.

“After considering feedback from local people, national campaign groups and clinical guidance we have decided to stop routinely funding certain medicines, treatments, products and food items on prescription and also to reduce the number of assisted conception cycles that we fund from two to one.

“We are aware of the concern this may cause some people and this has been a very difficult decision to make.

"However, given the financial challenge that we face in Worcestershire we need to take action now so that we can continue to protect other NHS services in the future.”