A MOVE by Oxfordshire health bosses to make infertility treatment a low priority has failed.

A committee of medics and managers from Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire opposed IVF, arguing it cost too much, its absence did not damage lives enough and couples could adopt instead.

But their stance – backed by the NHS Oxfordshire authority – was at odds with a committee of staff from Southampton, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Both were asked to agree a way forward but now say the policy will stay as it is.

Oxfordshire women, aged 30 to 34, who meet clinical criteria will get one NHS cycle of IVF. National NHS guidance backs three cycles from ages 23 to 39.

Cariad Hazard, a spokesman for NHS Oxfordshire, said: “Both committees were asked to reach an agreed decision.

“The committees have not done this and have decided not to progress this.”

The Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Berkshire East, Berkshire West and Buckinghamshire Priorities Committee said IVF and all other “assisted reproduction techniques” should be a low priority to be “consistent”. It said there was a “lack of evidence” childless couples “experience significantly worse outcomes for mental or physical health”.