- Published:
- Thursday 23 November 2023
Women and families across Greater Geelong can now realise their dream of starting or growing their family - with the Allan Labor Government’s nation-leading public IVF service now available at Barwon Health.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today officially opened the new satellite, which will deliver support and treatment for locals wanting to access fertility care – alleviating additional stress by cutting unnecessary travel time and slashing costs – saving Victorians up to $10,000.
Offering eligible patients a range of services including specialist consultations, diagnostic tests and ultrasounds - it is the fourth service to open in regional Victoria following the launch of satellites in Mildura, Bendigo 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 - 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 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.
Local families will also soon have a world-class women’s health, maternity and pediatric services on their doorstep, with work underway on a new half-a-billion-dollar hospital.
The new Barwon Women’s and Children’s Hospital will include birthing suites, outpatient clinics and a neonatal and parent care unit to provide care for sick and preterm babies.
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 Geelong will be life changing for many people across the region, helping them realise their dream of starting or growing their family, whilst alleviating financial stress and the need to constant travel.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“We know that the fertility care process can be emotionally challenging that’s why we are ensuring that families within the Geelong region have access to the best fertility care available."
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
“This new satellite is about bringing fertility care to the heart of our community – making it more accessible and more affordable than ever for those across the Bellarine, who are wanting to start a family.”
Quote attributable to Member for Lara Ella George
“This is an incredible addition to the public healthcare in our region – giving those in our community access to fertility care closer to home and nearby the support of their loved ones.”
Quote attributable to Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman
“Fertility care has been a costly and difficult service for many to access, particularly in regional areas. We are changing that with our new public health satellite service, ensuring people living in regional Victoria can easily access fertility care to grow their family.”