Childless couples in west Kent could be given just one chance to conceive through IVF on the NHS.

The local clinical commissioning group (CCG), which buys and plans healthcare in the area, has begun early discussions over the prospect of reducing entitlement to two cycles of treatment to just one in a bid to save cash.

Last week, bosses held a private focus group meeting in Maidstone with couples who may be affected by the plan, as part of what it calls a "listening exercise", before potentially submitting a proposal for wider consultation.

Another similar event is set to take place at the Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks on Thursday before feedback is gathered and discussed by governors.

Regulatory body, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), recommends women under 40 should receive three cycles on the NHS, however more than 60% of CCGs across England are already offering just one cycle.

West Kent is the latest of the county's bodies that appears to be looking to defy that advice and begin exploring the possibility of reduced fertilisation cycles.

Health chiefs say making such a change would enable more investment in other health and care services, but academics have warned that many couples could be left disappointed should the plans come into force.

Bob Bowes, chair of the CCG, said: "We've got a really good system in the NHS, it could do with more money but it could also do with being improved, and sometimes improved efficiency can deliver savings.

"This question about whether IVF cycles should be limited is one of those types of questions.

"If the whole population of west Kent said 'you can't do that', we wouldn't do it.

"We need to listen to what people are saying and we will take those views into account if and when we make a proposal that might have a bearing on IVF.

"This is very much a first stage and a listening exercise to find out what people think."

Medway CCG announced a similar consultation in May.

Listen to Sarah Norcross from Fertility Fairness talk about the impact this could have.