Wondering if this is normal? Feels like GP has wasted our time

[TTCnightmares]

GP finally referred us on to a fertility clinic for further investigations due to years of unsuccessfully TTC. We were told we wouldn’t have a choice as to what clinic we’d be referred to as it’s all done by postcode. Weeks later we get contacted by a fertility clinic to say they’ve received our referral and we go in for some further tests followed by an initial consultation. At the consultation, we are told no issues have been found and were given diagnosis of unexplained infertility. We were recommended IVF as the next step and was told the admin team will apply for funding. Shortly after, we get an email from the clinic to say they can’t do our NHS IVF as they don’t hold the contract for the postcode where my GP is located. Our only option it seems is now to go back to our GP and try and get re-referred to another fertility clinic in the right catchment area (we already know we’re eligible for funded IVF).

DP and I are feeling so deflated, as we waited so long for the referral and are now worried the whole process will have to commence again. Surely our GP shouldn’t have referred us to a clinic which could never have provided the IVF? Has this happened to anyone else and do you have any info about next steps? Can the GP refer us directly to IVF or will we need to go through tests again at a new clinic?

@TTCnightmares I don't have experience with being referred for fertility treatment on the NHS but this sounds like a mess! I would speak with the practice manager at the GP practice and tell them what's happened and where you go from here. I would be looking at a formal complaint if this isn't resolved because you say that there has been a delay in your referral followed by what appears to be a referral to somewhere that can't treat you. What's your age? Because time can be against us and it really isn't ok for unacceptable delays like this.

Thank you, we feel massively deflated and will definitely send a complaint to the GP. We are 30, so thankfully do have time somewhat on our side but really do want to get started ASAP.

I would contact PALs (the patient liaison service) at the hospital you've been referred to and see if they can help contact the correct hospital directly and get you straight in there instead. Be very clear about how long you have already waited. Perhaps a long shot but it's incredible what they can do sometimes. We had some problems/admin mix ups with our referral as well and this was the only thing that worked.

Thank you, we will give that a try!