Oldham IVF policy changes from April 2026

From April 2026, people in Oldham and across Greater Manchester will see a major change to NHS-funded IVF treatment. The region's health bosses have decided to standardise the number of IVF cycles offered, ending the current postcode lottery where some boroughs provide three cycles while others offer just one.

Under the new policy, women aged 39 and under will be offered only one NHS-funded IVF cycle, with a second attempt only if the first is cancelled or abandoned. This affects thousands of couples across Greater Manchester who have been waiting for fertility treatment, including many in Oldham.

The decision follows a six-week public consultation last summer that attracted over 2,200 responses. While most participants supported having the same policy across all ten boroughs, the majority actually wanted two or more IVF cycles rather than just one. Many shared emotional stories about the challenges of infertility and concerns about the financial burden of multiple treatment attempts.

Katherine Sheerin, Chief Commissioning Officer for NHS Greater Manchester, acknowledged the decision would be 'upsetting and disappointing' for some people. She said the current variation in access was 'unfair and cannot continue', and that the new policy brings Greater Manchester in line with most areas across England.

Existing patients who have already been referred to IVF clinics before April 1st, 2026, will continue their treatment under the current policy. Health bosses say they'll work closely with clinics to ensure people receive clear information and support during the transition to the new system.