Residents in Melbourne’s west will now have access to free, comprehensive fertility care closer to home.
Officially launched on December 11, the new Public Care Fertility Service at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s (JKWC) at Sunshine Hospital includes infertility assessment clinics, IVF cycle management, pathology services, ultrasound capability and pregnancy testing.
Delivered in partnership with the Royal Women’s Hospital (RWH), the service is available to individuals and couples of all genders.
GPs and specialists can now send referrals for triaging to the RWH, which is leading Victoria’s Public Fertility Care Service.
People who live in the Western Health catchment will attend their appointments at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s and travel to the RWH for procedures.
Obstetrics and Gynaecology director Dr Lauren DeLuca said the Western Health team is excited to provide public fertility care at the JKWC.
“People who have been trying to conceive naturally but have been unsuccessful and those people whose situation or health may prevent or impair fertility can access the service,” she said.
Western Health chief operating officer John Ferraro said Western Health said in the last year almost 7000 babies were born at Western Health.
“The availability of affordable and accessible fertility treatment closer to home is a significant step forward to ensuring health equity, particularly for those people facing financial and geographical barriers to care,” he said.
“Our clinical staff are looking forward to working with the RWH to enable more people to start or grow their family.”
Western Health said the state’s now fertility service is expected to give up to 5,000 Victorians access to public fertility care.
To be eligible, people must be Victorian residents with Medicare cards and have the appropriate tests and a GP referral.
Fertility services will also be offered at Mildura Base Public Hospital, Bendigo Health, Northern Health, Southwest Health, Mercy Health, Goulburn Valley Health, Barwon Health and Grampians Health.
Information: www.thewomens.org.au/patients-visitors/clinics-and-services/fertility-genetics/public-fertility-services
