The decision to cut In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) in Croydon could be reversed.

The Croydon Clinical Commissioning Group’s decision to cut IVF treatment, which allocates NHS funding for Croydon due to "financial pressures" is under review.

The decision was initially referred by Croydon Council’s Scrutiny Panel to the Secretary of State, Jeremy Hunt.

However, following intervention from Croydon South MP Chris Philp, the Secretary of State has now referred the matter on to the Independent Reconfiguration Panel, which advises the Government on health funding and allocation decisions.

“Around 3.5 million people, or roughly one in seven couples, in Britain have trouble conceiving," Mr Philp said.

"For those couples, IVF is an important source of hope in starting a family together.

“Croydon CCG’s decision to cut all IVF treatment takes the chance to start a family away from many local couples.

"While the CCG is right to look for ways to save money, cutting all IVF treatment is not the way to do so.

“With the decision now under review by the Independent Reconfiguration Panel, there is some hope that this will get over-turned.”

According to data from the group Fertility Fairness, Croydon is one of just 7 CCGs in the country to have cut all IVF treatment.

Clinical chairman at NHS Croydon CCG, Agnelo Fernandes, said the decision to cut IVF wasn't made lightly.

"NHS Croydon CCG took the difficult decision to fund IVF and ICSI only for those with exceptional clinical circumstances after a formal consultation with local people, and very careful consideration and discussion earlier this yearm" he said.

"This is a very emotive subject and the CCG has made a commitment to look again at our ability to routinely fund IVF and ICSI for Croydon couples in the future.

"At that point we will look at any new options available to NHS commissioners that might support our financial ability to be able to reinstate this funding."

He also said despite the cut to IVF, there are still fully funded fertility services available in Croydon.

“The NHS in Croydon is facing severe financial pressures, which means we have limited resources available," he said.

"We have a duty to look at the entirety of health needs across the borough and this very difficult decision will help us to prioritise front line services.

“IVF is one element of the assisted conception service for couples who have trouble conceiving naturally. All other elements of the fertility service continue to be fully funded.”