A new IVF (in vitro fertilisation) service is now available at Barwon Health to support Greater Geelong families’ pregnancy journeys.
The fertility treatment, which involves the handling of eggs or embryos and sperm, was opened at Geelong’s University Hospital on Thursday, November 23.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said the new satellite would help alleviate stress, cut unnecessary travel time, and save Victorians close to $10,000.
“This new service in Geelong will be life changing for many people across the region,” she said.
“(It’s) helping them realise their dream of starting or growing their family, whilst alleviating financial stress and the need to constant travel.”
The Geelong public service will offer eligible patients services that include consultations, diagnostic tests and ultrasounds, making it the fourth of its kind to open in regional Victoria.
Other IVF satellites include Mildura, Bendigo and Warrnambool, with the four services delivered as part of the state government’s $120 million investment in public fertility care.
Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman said the fertility care process can be emotionally challenging and that it was important for the Geelong region to have the best care available.
“Fertility care has been a costly and difficult service for many to access, particularly in regional areas,” he said.
“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.”
Public fertility care is available through a general practitioner or specialist referral to the Royal Women’s Hospital to organise eligible patients for treatment.
More information on the Geelong IVF service and how to access it is available at betterhealth.vic.gov.au/public-fertility-care-services
