The Allan Labor Government is making it fairer, easier and more accessible for people in Warrnambool and across the south west to start or grow their family, with a new public IVF service now available at South West Healthcare.
Part of the state’s nation-leading public fertility care service, the Warrnambool satellite is the third to open in regional Victoria – offering face-to-face and telehealth specialist consultations, diagnostic tests and ultrasounds and medications, it will help patients cut down on travel time and save up to $10,000.
In-cycle management and education, such as consultation on hormone injections prior to egg collection with a fertility nurse, will operate via telehealth with the Royal Women’s Hospital who are co-leaders in the statewide program alongside Monash Health.
Satellite services are already up and running at Bendigo Health and Mildura Base Public Hospital with additional sites set to open in Shepparton, Ballarat and Geelong in coming months. Two further Melbourne services will also open in Heidelberg and Sunshine, with one at the Northern Hospital in Epping already operational.
The near $120 million Labor Government public IVF investment will give up to 5,000 people per year access to the services once fully operational, providing up to 3,375 treatment cycles– 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 – operating at the Royal Women’s Hospital, the service 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 or Monash Health 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
“Our satellite services are delivering affordable and accessible fertility care to regional Victorians – because we don’t think people shouldn’t be limited by where they live in order to realise their dream of starting or growing a family.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victorian Jacinta Ermacora
“Being able to access public fertility care closer to home will be game changing for many local families in Warrnambool and across the region – saving money and time, while also being closer to the support of loved ones.”
Quote attributable to Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at South West Healthcare Dr Rosy Buchannan
"A public IVF service ensures that many more people have equitable and affordable access to fertility and have the chance to realise their dream of having a family, and that's something we are keen to support."
