New interim subfertility policy for Cheshire and Merseyside introduced

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB) has published a new interim subfertility policy.

It follows a public consultation held during June and July 2025, and a subsequent decision by the Board of NHS Cheshire and Merseyside on 27 November 2025.

The new policy replaces ten separate subfertility policies which were previously in place for Cheshire and Merseyside. It will apply to those referred to fertility services from 1 February 2026 – anyone referred prior to this will be treated under the previous policy for their area.

Under the new policy, eligible people aged under 40 years will be offered one in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle funded by the NHS. Under the previous policies, people could access between one and three cycles funded by the NHS, depending on where they lived. Those aged 40 to 42 were already offered one cycle.

Other changes under the new policy:

• BMI eligibility criteria does not need to be met by non-carrying partners, which is a change for Wirral.
• Eligibility criteria on smoking has been standardised to specify that both partners must be non-smokers – this is a new requirement in Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, and St Helens.
• The definition of 'childlessness' excludes those who have previously had a live birth (or adopted a child) from any further embryo transfers – this is a change for Cheshire East and West, but all other areas had this in their previous policies.
• The use of intra uterine insemination (IUI) for certain patient groups is specified – previously this was not routinely commissioned in Wirral. 
• The wording around lower and upper age limits in the new policy makes it clearer that there is no lower age limit for treatment, and that people are eligible until their 43rd birthday.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is expected to publish updated guidance on the assessment and treatment of fertility problems during 2026, so the single Cheshire and Merseyside policy will be introduced on an interim basis. The policy will be reviewed against the new guidance once it is available.

We have updated the frequently asked questions, and they can be viewed here. Once you have read them, if you have any other queries or concerns, please contact enquiries@cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk.