Scottish Labour's Jackie Baillie has said that IVF patients in every part of Scotland must be treated fairly. She called on the SNP government to implement national guidelines as quickly as possible.

The publication of today's report from the Infertility Network Scotland confirms that patients face a postcode lottery for IVF treatment.

According to the report, patients seeking treatment can wait three months in the Borders, but three years in the Lothians.

The report also reveals inconsistencies in terms of the services delivered by health boards, for example ten health boards offer three cycles, while four, including NHS Greater Glasgow, offer only two.

Shadow Health Secretary Jackie Baillie said:

"I want to see Ministers take action to end the postcode lottery for IVF treatment. It is unfair that patients in some parts of Scotland have to wait three years for treatment when others are treated in less than 6 months.

"There is also no consistency in the rules with some health boards stipulating that they will provide couples with three cycles of treatment, while others only offer two.

"The Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon needs to act to end this postcode lottery.

"Labour put in place national guidelines for IVF treatment to ensure that patients in every part of Scotland are treated fairly and have access to treatment as quickly as possible.

"The Health Secretary needs to get on with their implementation."