NHS workers had IVF leave?

[ForCoralFinch]

I work for the NHS and am undergoing IVF, with a very unsympathetic employer. I have reduced my hours already but it is still
proving difficult to meet commitments.
Can a request for a career break be refused?
I plan to meet with a lawyer this week for further advice
Has anyone been in a similar boat?
TIA

I underwent IVF whilst in a senior AHP post within the NHS - I honestly can’t say I encountered any major issues with work, although admittedly this was 20 years ago. For retrievals and transfers under sedation I took 2 days off each time (just on regular sick leave). For anything else I tried to schedule appointments around lunch or quieter periods during the day and quickly nip out for them. I was lucky however that the clinic was very nearby.

Not to be insensitive but I don’t understand how IVF could require a career break?

I don't really understand but yes, they can refuse a careers break.

What is it you need and how can they give it to you? You've reduced hours but is that not enough or not flexible enough to get to your appointments

Do you have HR or union? I'm public sector and the guidance is quite clear.

The guidance in my organisation isn’t clear. There is an IVF policy and mention of paid leave to attend appointments but management are saying it only
applies to implantation procedures. It’s quite vague. I’ll speak to my Union. Thanks for your answer x

Thanks for your answer. The issue I have is that if I am expected to need multiple rounds and take days off sick leave per retrieval I’d very quickly breach the sickness target.
I am 100 miles away from clinic which is the main issue, but have to go to this particular clinic as not eligible in local clinics. So was thinking it may be easier all round to just take a block of time off