Monday, 11 December 2023
AFFORDABLE PUBLIC FERTILITY CARE CLINIC OPENS IN SUNSHINE
The Allan Labor Government is making it easier for people across Melbourne’s west to realise their dream of starting or growing their family – with the nation-first public fertility care now available at the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Parliamentary Secretary for Women's Health Kat Theophanous today officially opened the new service, which will deliver support and treatment for locals wanting to access fertility care – alleviating additional stress by cutting unnecessary travel time and slashing costs, and saving Victorian families up to $10,000.
Offering eligible patients a range of services including specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, ultrasounds, and cycle management – it is the second partner service to open in metropolitan Melbourne following the launch of a satellite in Epping.
The service is the eighth satellite partner site in total across the state – with services now operating across regional Victoria in Mildura, Bendigo, Geelong, Shepparton, Ballarat and Warrnambool.
Delivered as part of a $120 million investment by the Labor Government, public fertility care will support up to 5,000 people every year once fully operational – easing the financial pressure for thousands of Victorians during what is already a challenging experience for many.
This latest service follows the launch of Australia’s first public egg and sperm bank in July 2023 at the Royal Women’s Hospital which is currently accepting egg, sperm and embryo donations from the community.
It also marks one year since the roll out of public fertility care services in Victoria – the landmark service is already making it easier and more affordable for prospective parents to access vital services on their IVF journey. Since launching in October last year, more than 1,100 Victorians have already commenced their treatment journey.
Access to public fertility care is available through a GP or specialist referral which is sent to the Royal Women’s Hospital who then organise eligible patients to receive treatment at their closest health service.
More information is available at betterhealth.vic.gov.au/public-fertility-care-services.
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
“This new service in Sunshine will be life-changing for many people in the area, helping them realise their dream of starting or growing their family, whilst easing financial stress and the need for travel.”
Quote attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Women's Health Kat Theophanous
“We’re rolling out public fertility care at partner health services right across Victoria, including in suburban locations like Sunshine, because your ability to start a family shouldn’t be limited by where you live.”
Quote attributable to Member for Laverton Sarah Connolly
“This new service at the Joan Kirner is all about bringing fertility care to the heart of Melbourne’s West, meaning it’s more accessible and more affordable than ever for those wanting to start a family.”
Quote attributable to Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman
“The new public IVF service in the west will give access to services for people wanting to have a baby, whilst removing the financial barrier.”
