Northern Health has introduced a state government funded local fertility services program.
The public clinic will provide eligible patients with access to a range of fertility services including specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, ultrasounds, medications and in-cycle management.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said it is all about bringing services closer to the homes of those wanting to start their own family, to cut down travel time and help avoid indirect costs.
“We’re so proud to be rolling out public fertility care,” she said.
“Your ability to start a family shouldn’t be limited by where you live.”
Access to the public fertility service at partner health services is available through a GP or specialist referral sent to the Royal Women’s Hospital, which will then organise for patients to receive their fertility treatment at the health service closest to their home.
Those seeking to access public fertility care, including the use of donated eggs or sperm from the recently launched public egg and sperm bank will also need to be referred by their GP or specialist.
Once fully operational, the almost $120 million program will help up to 5,000 Victorians every year to start or grow their family, saving them up to $10,000.
Since launching the program in October last year, more than 550 Victorians have already commenced their fertility journey.
“This new clinic in Epping is all about bringing fertility care to the heart of the community, meaning it’s more accessible and affordable for those wanting to start a family,” Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny said.
Details: betterhealth.vic.gov.au/services-support/public-fertility-care-services.
Harper Sercombe
