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05 August 2004

Dear Colleague

I thought it would be helpful to update you on a number of developments.

Arms Length Review

The Health Minister John Reid has announced the results of the Arm's Length Bodies Review. A new Regulatory Authority for Fertility and Tissue will be created to encompass the work of the HFEA and the proposed Human Tissue Authority to be set up under the Human Tissue Bill. The setting up of the new Authority will require primary legislation in Parliament so it will clearly take some time before a new body is set up. As you know, the government is undertaking a Review of the HFEA Act and will be embarking on public consultation during 2005. We will keep you updated on the setting up of the new Authority but for now it is very much business as usual.

It is important that patients and the public have complete confidence in the effective regulation of the use in treatment and research on all tissues, embryos and organs. Clearly the HFEA will have a lot to contribute with its experience and expertise and as you know we have been working to implement the EU Tissue Directive.

Research Fees Consultation

The Authority discussed the consultation on Research Fees at its July meeting. We carefully considered all the objections received and noted that there are wide variations in the scale of funding of research, with some projects operating on very low budgets.  We are now developing new proposals which we will be discussing with the Department of Health. We will let you know the outcome of this early in the autumn.

Research Conference

I am pleased to announce that our second research conference will be held on Thursday 25th November. Details of the venue and programme will be available shortly.

New Patient Leaflet

We have produced a new patient leaflet ‘How to Make a Complaint'. Copies are being sent to each centre.

Patient Feedback on the web

As you know we have recently introduced a questionnaire to obtain comments from patients about their experience at HFEA licensed clinics.  Their views will help us regulate clinics effectively and provide information to help you improve services.

This questionnaire is now accessible on our website for online completion.  All responses will be treated as confidential.

With best wishes for the summer

Angela McNab
Chief Executive

Page last updated: 24 August 2012

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